02-07-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

7th February, 2021

, No.106265

Families rejoice

–– as fishermen who were detained in Venezuela finally return home

SEE PAGE 03

–– men happy to be back, but sad they don’t have any money to support their families

BK paid $20M for $5B property

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CIOG to build 08 hospital for women, children PAGE

Budget 2021: Gov't consults with private sector, labour

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Mother hands over sons suspected of 16 murder to police PAGE

Captain of the Sea Wolf, Toney Garraway, reunited with his family on Saturday (Indrawattie Natram photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Families rejoice –– as fishermen who were detained in Venezuela finally return home

–– men happy to be back, but sad they don’t have any money to support their families

By Indrawattie Natram HAPPINESS and contentment were etched in their weather-beaten faces when the Guyana Chronicle first laid eyes on the Guyanese fishermen who were detained in neighbouring Venezuela on Saturday. The captains of the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf had reportedly sailed into port at around 02:30hrs that morning, and weighed anchor at Lallbacchan’s wharf at Charity. On arrival, they and their crew were accorded a warm welcome by Kumar Lallbacchan, owner of the Lady Nayera, after which they were met by Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva. The fishermen had been apprehended by the Venezuelan navy since January 21, 2021, and after spending two weeks in detention and making a court appearance, they and their vessels were finally released. When he had a moment to spare, Richard Ramnarine, captain of the Lady Nayera, told the Guyana Chronicle that he was happy that he and his men were finally able to make it home, and that since their arrival,

they have had nothing but words of encouragement from many persons, including regional officials. Unfortunately, Ramnarine said he was both happy and sad all at once, as he and his men have nothing to show for the many weeks they’d spent at sea. All their stocks; even the little “glue” they had managed to amass were confiscated by the Venezuelan authorities. “We all came back empty-handed. No money; nothing to take to our families. Some of us don’t even have money to travel home; we are happy to be alive, but we are all out of cash,” Captain Ramnarine said. Seizing the opportunity to speak on behalf of himself and his crew members, Ramnarine proceeded to call on the Government of Guyana to provide them with some sort of cash assistance and a bit of “fish glue”, which he said would tide them over until they are ready to return to sea. Just the day before, the government had presented the fishermen’s families with hampers. Leading the delegation to make the presentation was Minister of Foreign Affairs and International

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva speaking with the fishermen at Charity

Toney Garraway and members of his family

Co-operation, Hugh Todd. “Everyone has expenses,” Ramnarine said, adding: “Some of the guys have rent to pay; families to maintain. And every trip, they are accustomed to taking money home to their family; this trip was unprofitable.” Joining Ramnarine was Captain of the Sea Wolf, Toney Garraway, who, besides echoing similar sentiments as his sea-faring colleague, said the experience he’s gained from being “held up” will forever remain in his memory. He related that he and his crew members left Charity on January 9, and by January 21, they were accosted by

the authorities gave us some items, which we were thankful for,” Garraway said. SCARED TO DEATH Javin Boston, 18, said he was scared to death, and was praying for his safe return to his family. Boston said that while he loves fishing and helping out his family, it was tough being confined. The one thing that kept him going, however, was the courage and determination of his fellow crew members. “We knew we were in this together; we held on and we prayed,” the teenager said, adding: “If we had

One of the fishermen and members of his family Wakenaam, said that he, too, is out of cash. He said that like everyone else, he has rent to pay, and children to take care of.

The Oneil family members of the Venezuelan Navy and ordered to follow them. He said that at first they were terrified, but when they heard that the Government of Guyana and the international community were working to get them released, they felt relieved. Garraway said that while at no time were they ill-treated by the Venezuelan authorities, they were ordered to remain on their vessels and not to socialise with any of the civilians. “We were together; food was running out. We’d taken just enough to last us two weeks, but

to go hungry, we would go hungry together.” Errol Gardener, 41, said he is currently “penniless” and has rent to pay. He said he is currently living on the East Coast Demerara, and has no money to travel. He related that every fishing trip, he takes home no less than $300,000 to his family. “Things brown this trip; I don’t know how to go home, but I am hoping we get help, because I am not living in Essequibo, and as such I need help,” Gardener said. Another crew member, 43-year-old Michael Domingo, who hails from

PRAISE TO THE ALMIGHTY Meanwhile, families of the fishermen were happy to reunite. They were seen hugging and giving praise to the Almighty for the safe return of their relatives. According to Hazel Singh, she was living in fear for days after she learned about the incident. Molly O’Neil, of WestBury, on the Essequibo Coast was also elated. For over two weeks, the families of the fishermen were glued to the media for updates on the incident. The family of Joel Joseph was overjoyed to have him in their presence. Fishermen and their families are thankful to the Government of Guyana and the international community for helping in their release. Region Two Chairper-

son, Vilma De Silva expressed how happy she was to see them, and said that with the help of the Regional Democratic Council, she will be lobbying for assistance for them. De Silva also made a small cash donation to the fishermen on behalf of her Henvil Coconut Farm. Trevor Daniels, Toney Garraway, Errol Gardener, Orlando Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil, and Randy Henry were on-board the Sea Wolf, while Richard Ramnarine, Ramlakhan Kamal, Nick Ragubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo, and Joel Joseph were on the Lady Navera. Word is that the fishermen will be allowed to reunite with their respective families tomorrow after completing a period of isolation in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. They were tested for the virus at Charity on arrival here on Saturday morning.

Javin Boston and his little cousin

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Budget 2021: Government consults with private sector, labour –– emphasises government’s commitment to ongoing engagement

AS work continues on preparation of the 2021 National Budget, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, met with private sector and labour representatives on Saturday.

At the meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), discussions were held on the main issues of interests to those stakeholders. At the engagement, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, emphasised the government’s commitment to deliver its manifesto promises, several of which have already been initiated in Budget 2020. He indi-

cated that Budget 2021 and the budgets for subsequent years will continue to build on these. Minister Singh emphasised that the government’s approach to development is one of continuous engagement. He elaborated that the PPP/C Manifesto has outlined the vision for the country and the key interventions to be implemented, which includes

A section of the gathering at the Guyana International Conference Centre significant investment in physical infrastructure to improve connectivity and unlock economic potential, substantial investment in social services including a well-educated and skilled workforce to take advantage

of the economic opportunities that are arising. He also added that it is important that the physical transformation is accompanied with improved delivery of quality services both at the level of the government and the private sector. Also addressing stakeholders and listening to their concerns and the issues faced by their sectors was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who emphasised the government’s consultative and inclusive approach to policymaking as illustrated by this and many other engagements. The stakeholders present expressed strong appreciation of the opportunity to meet and discuss issues of interest, and advanced several recommendations to the government team for consideration. Minister Singh thanked the stakeholders for the many valuable suggestions that were made, and noted that many of these suggestions were very closely aligned with priorities previously identified by government. The meeting saw participation of a wide range of umbrella and sectoral representative bodies, including several from the small business sector.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Sunday February 7, 2021 – 01:30hrs – 12:00hrs

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

Man killed by stray bullet in Albouystown AULDEN CUSH, 54, called “Alligator” was killed on Saturday after a man who was in a heated argument with another discharged a round that hit him. The incident occurred at Cooper Street, Albouystown, between James Street and Independence Boulevard, Georgetown. Reports indicated that Cush of no fixed address was at the time purchasing cigarettes at a shop located on the western side of Cooper Street. During the heated argument, one of the men brandishing a firearm discharged a round that hit Cush in the right side of the face. The shooter then fled the scene on foot. Cush was pronounced dead at the scene by an emergency medical technician (EMT) crew. The body was subsequently picked up and taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where it is awaiting an autopsy as investigations continue.

The crime scene on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

Food prices rise sharply in January GLOBAL food prices rose in January for the eighth consecutive month, led by cereals, vegetable oils and sugar, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). FAO's Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly-traded food commodities and was released on Thursday, averaged 113.3 points in January, marking a 4.3 per cent increase from December 2020 and reaching its highest level since July 2014. The FAO Cereal Price Index showed a sharp 7.1 per cent monthly increase, led by international maize prices, which surged 11.2 per cent and are now 42.3 per cent above their January 2020 level, reflecting increasingly tight global supply amid substantial purchases by China and lower-than-expected production and stock estimates in the United States of America as well as a temporary suspension of maize export registrations in Argentina. Wheat prices rose 6.8 per cent, driven by strong global demand and expectations of reduced sales by the Russian Federation when its wheat export duty doubles in March 2021. Robust demand from Asian and African buyers underpinned strong rice prices. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 5.8 per cent in the month to its highest level since May 2012. Drivers included lower-than-expected palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia due to excessive rainfall and ongoing shortages in the migrant labour force, and pro-

longed strikes in Argentina reducing export availability for soy oil. The FAO Sugar Price Index was 8.1 per cent higher than in December, as robust global import demand spurred concerns about lower availabilities due to worsening crop prospects in the European Union, the Russian Federation and Thailand, as well as drier-than-normal weather conditions in South America. Rising crude oil prices and a stronger Brazilian Real also provided support to international sugar prices. The FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent, underpinned by China's high purchases ahead of the country's upcoming New Year holiday festivities amid seasonally lower exportable supplies in New Zealand. The FAO Meat Price Index was up 1.0 per cent from December, led by brisk global imports of poultry meat, especially from Brazil, amid avian influenza outbreaks that have constrained output and exports from several European countries. SHARP DROPS FAO also issued the Cereals Supply and Demand Brief, a regular update on global production, consumption, trade and inventory trends. On the production side, FAO's new estimates for 2020 point to record wheat and rice production. Looking ahead to 2021 cereal output, early prospects indicate a likely modest increase for winter wheat crops in the northern hemisphere, buoyed by acreage increases in France, India,

the Russian Federation and the U.S.A. Maize output in the southern hemisphere is expected to decline somewhat in Argentina and Brazil from record highs but remain above average levels. The production outlook in South Africa and neighbouring countries is favourable. At the same time, this month's forecasts point to

larger volumes of world trade and a sharp decline in global cereal stocks. Globally, cereal utilisation in 2020/21 is now forecast at 2761 million tonnes, up 52 million tonnes from the previous season. Leading the increase is robust use of coarse grains for feed in China. Worldwide utilisation of wheat and rice are forecast to rise by

0.7 per cent and 1.8 per cent, respectively, during the year ahead. Global cereal stocks are forecast to decline by 2.2 per cent to 801 million tonnes, their lowest level in five years. That would bring the world stocks-to-use ratio of cereals down to 28.3 per cent, a seven-year low. The new figures reflect a massive downward adjustment to maize inventories in China. World cereal trade in 2020/21 is now forecast at 465.2 million tonnes, a hefty 5.7 per cent expansion from the previous season's record high. The raised estimates reflect large purchases of maize by China, particularly from the U.S.A. International trade in rice is anticipated to expand even more, by 7.9 per cent, reflecting strong growth of exports by India. The new FAO forecasts

incorporate the results of a review - back to 2013/14 - of the maize supply-and-demand sheet for China. The country's unexpectedly large purchases of maize in recent weeks point to a much higher demand for feed and lower domestic supplies than earlier anticipated, which is likely linked to the swift recovery in pork production after the African Swine Fever outbreak. (FAO)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

A vital balance EMBEDDED in the soul of the Guyanese nation since its inception, the State operation of a public media enterprise is, today, so natural, so much a way of life for Guyanese, such a socio-cultural norm, that the national narrative would be lopsided without its existence. Pundits use the terms ‘State media’ and ‘Government media’ to label the public media enterprise, but that is wholly misleading, for the government merely manages the enterprise. It is publicly-owned, public media, which the government manages, with the State’s media rooms executing its operations. These finer administrative details are important in understanding the nuances of this national communications infrastructure, this alignment between a democratic government and the public who exercise their franchise to decide who governs the society, who speaks for them. Despite the sordid history of the public media in this country under decades of authoritarian rule after Independence, for Guyana’s efficient democracy to work well in the best interest of Guyanese, public ownership and government management and State oversight of a professional media landscape serves a necessary structural integrity for the society to function as a healthy body politic. This means that government maintaining a State-run media environment is of utmost importance, for three reasons: First, it ought to be within

the ecosystem of the public media that a national conversation emerges, a conversation that designs the national narrative of the moment, of the current historical period of the society’s evolution. This idea of a national conversation, around the elected government’s vision for the society, is absolutely crucial, and nobody would more effectively cultivate a workable national narrative of this nature, than the government itself, because, after all, it is their vision to communicate to the public, and a private media house would not take the time and expend the resources to comprehend the government vision, and would not be motivated to share it with the society; Second, as a democracy, voters/citizens freely and fairly elect the government of the day, and it is natural justice for this voter roll-- the majority of citizens-- to expect that the government would operate a media landscape through which Guyanese feel they can express their voice-- the voice of the public, the national voice-- through their elected representatives; and, thirdly, the nation needs a media structure that informs Guyanese, communicates with the public, and deploys government’s purposeful path, ideas, development goals, progressive agenda, and its plans, projects, policies and partnerships to the public domain. This is why the University of Guyana (UG) public communications programme started off with a curriculum, out of India,

based upon the idea of Development Support Communication. Every UG communications graduate working in any media company today would have been trained in at least some of these tenets. It is instructive that the world’s major democracies, including Canada, England, America, Australia, et al, all operate public-owned media environments, with the government of the day managing them, and State employees operating them, In fact, President Joe Biden of the United States immediately appointed a new head of Voice of America, replacing the previous head appointed by former President, Donald Trump. One feels empathy for the private media houses in this country who, on occasion, call for the Guyanese public media to be disbanded or privatised. Private media enterprises tend to refer to themselves as the independent media, while casting aspersions that public ownership of a media enterprise means government subjects State-employed reporters and journalists to be subservient to officialdom. In fairness to those who make such accusations, the history of this country is replete with control of the public media for clandestine purpose, with the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime particularly prone to suppression of the free and fair operation of media. One therefore understands the paranoia of the private media operators in their suspicions of how the State manages the public media.

However, were these private critics to consider the role of mass media in society’s development, management, and evolution, were they to, for example, examine the work of a media theorist such as Marshall McLuhan, a brilliant media theorist who lectured on the subject at the University of Toronto and published works of great insight as to how media and technology impact society, were they to peruse such material, they would see why democracies resort to public media as a necessary national communication structure. The late McLuhan emphasised the point that “the media is the message” and this is an instructive insight into the role of media in the social engineering and sociocultural development and evolution of a society. For example, private media houses represent the interests of their owners, and although they strive for objectivity and the exercise of professional ethics, they nevertheless function out of a motivation to please their shareholders. This idea of Guyana maintaining a public media domain is not a light topic. It calls for comprehensive analysis of the history of the country, whereby slavery and Indentureship and colonialism foisted a voiceless, silent suffering state upon subjects. Also, the expectation of Guyanese as to what constitutes the national narrative and the public conversation of the land-their voice-- this is within the realm of a public-owned media enterprise.

Genuine in bridging that gap between the state and the media Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me the space in your newspaper to highlight some of my observations from the President’s Media Brunch, which was held last Sunday at State House. As someone relatively new in the media profession, it was nice to interact with my colleagues, some of whom I’ve never met. I was a bit hesitant to attend the engagement, due to COVID-19, but the event was held outdoors and the distance

was according to regulations. I was also comforted by the preventative measures that were in place, the staff were neatly attired and always masked. The layout of the venue was also impressive. Many of my colleagues informed me that the event grew this year. Fewer media operatives attended due to restrictions, but a wider cross-section was there. The traditional media houses were represented, but so too were the online entities—many of whom have large followings online in the ever-evolving media.

Overall, the event was refreshing. President Irfaan Ali was very receiving and accommodating. He took his time to address us all during his walkaround and in his address, I sensed that he was genuine in bridging that gap between the state and the media. Of course, we understand that there can never be 100 per cent agreement between the state and all media houses, since the independent media have a role to play in highlighting information that people need to know about.

Nevertheless it was positive, especially with the months Guyana faced in uncertainty due to the political turmoil last year. It was also nice to see the First Lady Arya Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, current Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo and several ministers of the government there. It was a good indicator of things to come. Respectfully, Excited media operative

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Experience of a pioneering Guyanese in London Dear Editor, GUYANESE began migrating to England during the 1950s to pursue tertiary education, as there were no post-secondary institutions in then British Guiana. UG was established by then Premier Dr. Jagan in the early 1960s; Burnham belittled the establishment of the university and even contemplated closing it down when he became premier. Among the early migrants was young Sugrim Ramjeesingh of Ankerville, home village of legendary cricketers and politicians including of Rohan Kanhai, Cheddi Jagan, and parents of Shridat Ramphal. Sugrim was among the early pioneers who journeyed to England, leaving British Guiana in 1956 in the midst of political turmoil as the British had suspended Guiana’s home rule. (USA and Canada were not considered favoured places for migration during the 1950s; Guyanese migrants left for the USA in the 1960s and Canada in the 1970s after England restricted migration). Travelling to England up to the 1950s was by boat, a journey lasting almost a month. Sugrim told me it was a very rough journey by sea. Sugrim passed away last month and his remains were slated for cremation on Friday. Sugrim was a first or second-generation Indian born in 1936 in Plantation Port Mourant (Boundyard/Ankerville). His father,

Ramjee Singh) came from India as an indentured (girmitya labourer) in 1912. His mother, Sanicharee, was a first-generation-born Guyanese. Sugrim lost his mother when he was just 10. Till his death, Sugrim was among a handful of second-generation Indo-Guyanese who were still around and from home I learned about the lives of early Guyanese in the imperial country – experience of racism against non-White immigrants -- problems to obtain jobs and shelter, attend university, travel on public transport, etc. He related the difficulty of taking a bath during winter. Houses did not have hot water. One had to go to public places and pay for hot water for a bath; a luxury that was infrequently afforded. Sugrim was the first among an extended family to journey abroad. He came from a very large extended family of brothers and sisters and first cousins (his three Mamu or uncles and lone Mousie or aunt had several children (some 25). He was the first cousin of Muneshwer, the famous Georgetown businessman; Muneshwer’s mother, Naurangya, and Sanicharee were sisters. The indentured immigrants passed away by the late 1940s and the born first generation passed away by the late 1960s. Most of the second generation passed away by 2010. Only cousins Math Dyal Mangru, Rickey Mangru, Bodo Ramjee Singh, and Betty Mahase are the remaining second-generation survivors. Sugrim came

from a well-known family. He was brother of well-known business people (late) Hindu (of Tain), Baljeet (Gama) of Tain, Lilmatie Hilton (of Rose Hall), Bethlyn (of Ankerville) who was married to businessman Bissoon, police Superintendent Ramjee Singh (Bodo) of Robb Street, and Golin (married to Pandit Bangat Tiwari of Tain). He was cousin of well-known figures Baldat (Taylor) and cricketer Baleraj of Ankerville, and Ramrattan and Eva of Tain. Sugrim’s grandfather Ghurbatore was widely known and respected in Port Mourant and on other parts of the Corentyne. Ghurbatore, the labourer from India, acquired hundreds of acres of rice lands and thousands of acres of open land for cattle-grazing. Sugrim and his aunts, uncles, and cousins were known through the famous Ghurabtore of Boundyard and Ankerville. He and wife Amru left behind enormous wealth for their children and grandchildren. Sugrim was a product of the prestigious Corentyne High School (CHS) in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was the premier high school in the county of Berbice. At that time, there were no GCEs, only Senior Cambridge was offered through Cambridge University. GCE was offered around 1959 through London University and later by Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Sugrim left for London in 1956 to pursue medical studies at a time when there were few Guyanese

there. There were no tertiary institutions in Guyana; those wishing higher education left for the UK. Sugrim would be a first-generation Guyanese in UK where he migrated to pursue medical studies. In Conversations, he told me life was very harsh in England. There were few jobs and limited access to housing. Signs were put up at various job sites or rental places – “No Coloreds”. With its racism, living in UK was most difficult for immigrants and foreign students like Sugrim. Financial support was not very forthcoming from Guyana for foreign students. It was almost impossible to pursue studies in UK as a foreign student without a part-time job; fees were prohibitive. Thus, many foreign students had to abandon their study plans and pursue work. In the latter years of his life, Sugrim became a successful businessman. He donated to religious organisations in London and Mathura, India. He became an ardent follower and supporter of the Hare Krishna movement in London. He used to grow tulsi plants and sharing with others at a time when it was difficult to obtain even in the cold winter. He came to be known as “Tulsi Baba.” Temples and families would miss him for his kindness and generosity. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

GECOM must be able to hold free and fair elections Dear Editor, IN the aftermath of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections and a most disappointing and shameful performance by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), no rational, thinking citizen will deny the need for a robust overhaul of the organisation that must return to its independent, effective professionalism. In context, its rebirth in the early 1990s using the Carter Center formula as a guide, must not be now destroyed. Rather, it must be further developed and enhanced to realise the conduct by GECOM, of “Free and Fair Elections in Guyana on every occasion. The Carter Center’s initial and meaningful mediatory interventions in the election framework of Guyana was in 1990. Elections due that year had to be deferred to facilitate necessary changes that provided a measure of fairness not previously extended in the prior six elections. It came at a time when our country was most at risk of being internationally ostracised, due to the customised rampant rigging at the behest of the PNC leadership, which had taken place for decades. Supporting this abhorrence over this period was legislation that allowed their control of the independent selection of GECOM’s Chairman and by extension, staff. However, after years of international lobbying by Cheddi Jagan as Opposition Leader, the world refused to stand idly by and watch the continued elections rigging as the order

of the day, and the absolute destruction of democracy in this part of the hemisphere. In 1992, although there were constitutional changes that amended the previous draconian positions, it took a united Guyana along with the powerful and prominent Carter Center, together with other regional and international organisations to prevail over free and fair elections largely threatened by the PNC’s reactionary ‘SLOW FIAH MORE FIAH’ response in Guyana. The Carter Formula at that time presented acceptable equity concerning staff selection and a fair balance on matters then treated in a PNC-biased and partisan manner. Our people will recall that President Granger unilaterally appointed James Patterson in 2018. The appointment of Patterson immediately led to the dismissal of Vishnu Persaud who was the Deputy Chief Elections Officer. This afforded an unchecked leeway for Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield and the PNC acolytes. A full and unrestricted partisan takeover of the GECOM Secretariat and the elections machinery was the result. It resulted in a shield of resistance--national and international--never catered for by the underhand faction. In advancing the PNC’s mandate, the CEO et.al irrationally stretched the interpretation of basic language beyond imagination, subtly at first, but subsequently ended up with a level of bold madness. Contextually, one must therefore support the view expressed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his recent interview on electoral reform when he

said that the ‘GECOM Secretariat must be restructured and officers of the entity must be professional in executing their duties.’ At the hands of the CEO, a vicious secretariat sinisterly moved as if normal, to usurp the authority of the commission and assumed full responsibility to fire and hire staff. It is recalled that during the 2018 ‘Houseto-House” Registration commenced by Lowenfield, the PNC’s control of that process was evidenced by manoeuvres that resulted in the employ of only PNC-recommended persons to be scrutineers. Thankfully, the newly appointed Chairperson Madam Claudette Singh had to abruptly halt the vulgar covert process. Significantly, there were suddenly induced attacks on the agreed Carter formula with PNC devotees arguing that it had outlived its usefulness. Naturally, this was only because the adopted Carter Center system had placed a halt to the method where all the polling day staff were employed under the influence of the PNC. It is necessary and appropriate to have a re-look at the current biased Keith Lowenfield approach. The records informing the 1992 procedures are instructive to precedence utilised under the Carter System recommendations. Persons then involved will recall the use of the ‘horse-trading’ approach in which the two major political parties were involved in selecting the Election Day staff, who were then trained to work at each polling station. The system was easily arrived at where one will have the Presiding Officer and the other

will have the Polling Clerk and all the other staff members were employed the same way. From 1992 until 2011, GECOM staff were employed in keeping with the Representation of the People’s Act. The Act clearly states that all Employment at GECOM must be done by the commission. However, in 2015 the GECOM Secretariat led by Lowenfield, rendered on to itself a power to act as he pleased, and later attempted to hold on to the remnants afforded by the disavowed Granger unilaterally appointed James Patterson. Notably, the new chairperson was cautious and he took full advantage. The nation must not forget the Lowenfield report to the commission on Wednesday 15th of May 2015. He informed that he cannot announce the elections results because there were fake Statements of Polls . The elections petition in 2015 is yet to see the light of day, although the vote counts from 39 polling places on the East Coast of Demerara and three polling stations in Berbice were excluded from the final results. The now-famous broadsheet, which was the instrument used to rig the elections in 2015, was attempted again in 2020 by corrupt and dishonest staff who did the dirty work. Today we must do away with all the criminals and get a truly independent, accountable, and transparent GECOM. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

23 GTA staffers trained in quality service delivery

TWENTY-three custodial staff members of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) completed another round of special training at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday and Thursday last. The training programme, titled ‘Delivering Quality Service’, targeted the importance of excellence in customer service, and proper etiquette and hospitality techniques for visitor welcome. These techniques ensure that all incoming travellers receive premier customer service that is consistent with local as

well as international standards. This programme, as well as the Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols, were both created by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) to better equip staff to apply the concepts and solutions to challenges when engaging with incoming travellers. The courses were taught through sessions facilitated by Mr. Marlon George, CEO of Guyana SolutionsPro; Ms. Shellon Nicholas, Marketing Officer; and Mr. Chetnauth Persaud, Training and Tourism Development Officer within the GTA.

The presentations included a series of videos, PowerPoint presentations, and real-time activities (all COVID-19 protocols observed), and were positively received by participants, a GTA press release said on Friday. In addition to the ‘Delivering Quality Service’ and ‘Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols’ courses, participants were also coursed in ‘Understanding the Tourism Industry; ‘Defining Customer Service Excellence’; and ‘Understanding the Customer’ courses, topics that are all crucial to the tourism sector as it begins to reopen

for leisure activities. In mentioning key takeaways from the sessions, CJIA Custodian Superviser, Beverley Ramsey, echoed sentiments similar to those expressed by her team, saying: “The training was excellent, and I learnt a lot of things that I did not know. I will now be able to show and teach my staff all that I have learnt.” The 23 persons on the just-concluded course make up the 44 who’ve been trained to date since the year began on the subject of ‘Delivering Quality Service’ and ‘Hygiene & Sanitation Protocols’.

CJIA Custodian Superviser, Beverley Ramsey

CIOG to build hospital for women, children By Rehana Ahamad THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is currently finalising plans for the construction of a hospital specifically designed to cater to the medical needs of women and children across Guyana. This was confirmed by Sheik Moeen Ul-Hack, the organisation’s Director of Education during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. According to Ul-Hack, the project, which was conceptualised more than a decade ago, is being funded by the Islamic Development Bank at a cost of $200 million. When the idea of building a specialty hospital was first examined, the intention was to specially cater to patients in need of accessing dialysis at drastically reduced costs. “Because during then, there was only one place at which dialysis was being done, and the cost was exorbitant,” Ul-Hack noted. As the project continued to face several delays, stakeholders were afforded the opportunity to revisit and re-examine the project in its entirety. It was then decided that the establishment of a hospital for women and children is more needed at this time, since dialysis centres have been established in many areas across the country. The project plan was then redesigned and resubmitted to the bank. “The bank has agreed and has informed us that the grant of half of a million U.S. dollars to build the hospital

is still in effect, and that they have not cancelled this,” the CIOG executive said. He explained however that the grant would only cover construction of the building, and not the provision of medical equipment and other furnishing, which is expected to cost an additional $100 million. In its initial stage, the hospital is expected to have at least 25 patient beds, along with eight private rooms, accompanied by the requisite in-patient and out-patient services, along with “all relating diagnostics and laboratory services that will be provided on site, with the best available technology and human resources, both local and foreign.” The CIOG official affirmed also, that the hospital will be open to all Guyanese women and children, regardless of religion. “While we acknowledge the different cultural values in our country here, CIOG has been in existence since 1979, and the motto of this organisation is caring and sharing; and so, our charity is not restricted or confined to the Muslim community; rather, it extends and goes way beyond,” UlHaq said. COST-RECOVERY OPERATION He said that even though the CIOG yearns to provide free medical care to all Guyanese in need, operating a hospital free of charge would not be feasible or sustainable. The hospital will therefore be run on a cost-recovery basis, with minimal prices being offered to all women

and children seeking medical attention. “While persons will have to pay, we would not like the cost to be exorbitant, or else the objective would have been defeated,” Ul-Hack noted. In addition to providing all maternal and gynaecological services, the hospital will also function in a manner that is sensitive to the religious and social preferences of patients. For instance, a woman would be afforded the opportunity to choose whether she wants to be attended to by female medical practitioners instead of a male. “From a religious perspective, and from a female perspective, there are quite a number of women who would prefer being attended to by a female doctor, and so this was one of the factors that were considered when the hospital was envisioned by the CIOG,” the Sheikh posited. Once operational, the landmark institution will be administered by an independent Board of Directors, which would include medical practitioners as well as representatives of CIOG. Guyana’s First Lady, Her Excellency Arya Ali has also been consulted on the project and indicated her eagerness to assist and be part of the revolutionary initiative. “Also, we have a retired nurse at a hospital in Cleveland; the head of CIOG’s women’s arm and some businessmen…they comprise the current committee to ensure the construction of the hospital takes place,” Ul-Hack said.

INTENDED EXPANSIONS AND A REQUISITION FOR LAND Asked to explain what had led to the lengthy delays, the CIOG executive explained that the process of securing permission to construct the hospital in Georgetown was an extensive one that required a series of submissions to and engagements with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

CIOG’s Director of Education Sheikh Moeen Ul-Hack

Initially, the intention was to utilise a plot of land located on Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg (next to the Green Acres Primary School). The property, owned by the CIOG, measures approximately 182 feet by 44 feet, which was eventually deemed unfit for a hospital intended to undergo massive expansions overtime. “Firstly, it does not allow for parking, and since it is central Georgetown, there are other issues; also, it does not allow for expansion,” Ul-

Hack noted. He explained that given the great level of interest that the project has already generated, the CIOG moved ahead to engage the government with the hope of securing a larger plot of land, preferably on the outskirts of Georgetown. “This is so that we don’t have issues that some of these hospitals are currently facing in Georgetown. We are in the process of reaching out; hoping to get feedback very soon.” Notwithstanding unforeseen challenges, Sheikh Ul-Hack is hopeful that the hospital could be established as early as year-end. “Once we acquire the land, the construction of the building shouldn’t take long. There may be some hold up with the furnishing, because we don’t have any monies earmarked for that, so we would be going back to the community for assistance for that,” the CIOG executive noted. He is hopeful that the construction aspect of the project could be completed by the end of 2021. “A lot of time has already elapsed… the time for talking must end, and we must now move with it, God’s willing.” Once operational, the CIOG hospital would add to the government’s efforts of pushing medical tourism. RELIGIOUS DUTY Ul-Haq told the Guyana Chronicle that the establishment is CIOG’s way of fulfilling its civic responsibilities and religious duties. “It is to demonstrate the generosity of Islam through

our participation in the delivery of affordable healthcare and to those in need of quality service,” he posited. He said that over the years, the CIOG has remained committed to serving the people of Guyana, especially the vulnerable and less fortunate. The organisation was formed on July 1, 1979, primarily focusing on the spiritual, social and economic advancement of Muslims throughout Guyana. Over the years, the body has evolved and expanded to assisting the wider multi-religious and multi-cultural society that characterise this dear land of Guyana. “We have been involved with assisting persons directly and indirectly; financially, we have assisted the Guyanese community with monies for surgery to be performed locally at private hospitals, as well as facilitated travels, etc.” Ul-Hack reflected on some of the recent undertakings of the organisation, which mostly supported the national COVID-19 response efforts. “We have participated with several organisations, including the U.S. Embassy and the GPHC to provide medical outreaches throughout the country. Recently, we distributed 800,000 masks; our job is to complement the efforts of the Government of Guyana, because we know that they cannot do everything, so whatever we can do on our side; it is out [of] civic responsibility and our religious duty,” the Sheikh posted.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

BK paid $20M for $5B property –– AG says in court documents, State moves to rescind purchase agreement, repossess prime lands vested to BK

By Richard Bhainie LEGAL proceedings has been initiated by Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on behalf of the State, to repossess a prime piece of property vested to BK Marine Inc. by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government days before the March 2, 2020 elections. Court documents seen by the publication lists BK Marine Inc., former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London and NICIL as defendants to the matter. The property situated at Mudlots one and two, Lot F of Mudlot three and Lots A, B and D, North Cummingsburg Georgetown, valued at approximately $5B, was offered for sale to BK Marine Inc. by former CEO of NICIL, Horace James, for the sum of $202,602,759. Cognisant that only $20,260,276, a mere 10 per cent of the purchase price was paid by BK Marine Inc., the property was vested by Jordan by virtue of Vesting Order No. 50 of 2020 on March 28, 2020, during the ongoing elections fiasco. The Attorney-General is contending that Jordan, in collusion and in conspiracy with NICIL, acted in a reckless and negligent manner in vesting the property, having full knowledge and being aware that BK Marine Inc.

property was transferred to NICIL in accordance with the privatisation process. In furtherance of the process, Winston Brassington acting behalf of NICIL in 2006, leased the property to Brian Tiwarie on behalf of BK Marine Inc., for a term of 20 years, with an annual rent of $10 million plus Value Added Tax (VAT) subject to inflation. The Agreement of Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall only paid 10 per cent of the undervalued purchase price. And that on March 28, 2020 when the Vesting Order was issued, neither Jordan nor the government of the day had legal power and authority to do so and was acting unlawfully, committing a misfeasance in public office. Further, Nandlall is contending that Jordan, Heath-London and the Registrar of Deeds, in conspiracy with each other, caused a transport to be passed, which reflected erroneously and fraudulently that $400,000,000 was paid and the said transport was vested free from all encumbrances. Apart from this, there was a series of illegalities and breaches on the part of BK Marine Inc. in the agreement of lease. In his Statement of Claim, the Attorney-General explains that the Government of Guyana is and was at all time the owner of the North Cummingsburg, Georgetown property by virtue of Transport No. 530 of 1947, and in pursuit of privatization, the

failed and/or neglected to fulfill the conditions precedent in the Agreement of Lease in order to be able to exercise the option of purchase, specifically the failure to substantially complete the scope of works, a beach of Clause One of the Agreement. A letter of Demand Notice/Invoice for Account Due, dated March 20, 2017, sent by Horace James, former CEO of NICIL, to Esau Samad, Finance Controller, BK International Inc., indicated that the amount due owning and payable for lease rental by BK as at March 31, 2017 was some $81,360,158, a breach of Clause Two of the agreement. The premises were supposed to be used for the purpose of operating a

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordon Lease allowed BK the option to purchase the premises for the sum of $110 million subject to the condition that within four years of the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) approval of the construction plans, the scope of works shall be completed. “If the date passes without substantial completion, then the option price stated in (c) above shall become null and void and the option price thereafter will be subjected to mutual agreement,” the agreement stated. FAILURE The Court documents states that BK Marine

the agreement. In breach of Clause Five of the agreement, BK Marine Inc. failed to develop, construct and renovate the said property as a modern wharf facility, failed to execute the business plan he submitted and did not receive the express written consent of NICIL for the change in intended use of the premises. In 2009, BK alleged that the breach of the Agreement of Lease and the Business plan was due to a ‘global financial crisis’ and requested an amendment to the Business Plan to have a stone depot and Ready Mix Concrete plan among other things on the said property. A letter dated October 25, 2011 sent to BK Marine Inc. in respect of the Wharf at the premises, stated that NICIL would be willing to transfer the leased property at a sale price of $110,000,000 plus VAT on a conditional offer. However, the agreement was never executed and the terms and conditions of the Agreement of Lease remained binding upon BK Marine Inc.; who failed again to comply with the conditions and a legal battle ensued in 2013, in which NICIL claimed the sum of $49,640,202

Former CEO NICIL, Colvin Heath-London tourism/office/wharf facility, for the purpose of developing a state-of-theart hotel with restaurant, shopping and office areas and other facilities. However, the premises were utilised to house a Ready Mix Concrete Plant, a beach of Clause Four of

Brian Tiwarie

being rental due under the agreement. After the change of government in 2015, on October 23, 2017, former CEO of NICIL, Horace James, wrote to BK International Inc. offering to sell the said property for the sum of $202,602,759, despite the breaches to the agreement. “This act by the fourth name defendant [NICIL] was reckless, negligent, unlawful, in breach of fiduciary duty and constituted a fraud upon the shareholder thereby causing the said shareholder and by extension the State of Guyana to suffer loss and damage’ the Attorney-General pointed out. He contended that because of a series of fundamental breaches and non-performance by BK under the said agreement, the option to purchase could not lawfully or equitably be exercised. And that the unlawfulness which permeated the transaction is evidenced by the fact that not even a formal Agreement of Sale in writing was executed between BK Marine Inc. and NICIL for such a valuable public asset. UNDERVALUED With reference to a smaller wharf facility sold to Guyana Shore Base Inc. for US$18 million, the court documents highlights that the property sold to BK was at a “gross undervalue and way below market price”. Notwithstanding the property being sold below market price, since See page 10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

371 COVID recoveries recorded within the past week THE Ministry of Health has recorded 371 COVID-19 recoveries for the period January 31 to February 6, with 2,449 tests being carried out during that time, according to the daily COVID-19

dashboard. While the number of recoveries is fairly high, the number of new COVID cases is almost as high, with a total of 298 cases confirmed within the past week alone. Of these new cases, 167

(56%) are males, and 131 (44%) are females. Over the past 24 hours, the ministry has confirmed 52 new cases, three of which were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); and 16 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Conversely, three new cases were confirmed in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); two in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); three in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and 15 in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). No new cases were recorded in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). There are currently five persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 54 in institutional isolation, 738 in home isolation, and 14 in institutional quarantine. This brings the number of active cases to 811. Guyana has thus far recorded 180 COVID-19 fatalities. As the number of cas-

es continues to climb, all Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2021. This order emphasises: The need for the correct and consistent use of a face mask

when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus. If anyone you know is displaying any of the

symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

BK paid $20M... From page 9

making a down payment of a mere 10 per cent of the purchase price on October 24, 2017, BK Marine Inc. has to date failed and/or neglected to make any further payment to NICIL. Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on March 28, 2020 by Vesting Order No. 50 of 2020, vested title of the property to BK Marine Inc. “absolutely, free and clear of all claims and liabilities”, thereby forfeiting all rights to even recover the balance to the purchase price, the court documents states. FRAUD The Attorney-General contended that Heath-London breached his fiduciary duty in his capacity as CEO of NICIL when he sent a letter to the Registrar of Deeds requesting an annotation be made in the records to reflect change in ownership, knowing the property was undervalued. Pursuant to the said agreement made on October 23, 2017, BK Marine Inc. obtained a Certificate of Value dated May 28, 2020 by valuation officer C.E. Mc Garrell for the property which listed the current market value as $400,000,000, which was filed at the Deeds Registry for the conveyance of the property. The documents explained that Jordan, Heath-London and the Registrar of Deeds in conspiracy with each other caused a transport to be passed, which reflected erroneously and fraudulently that $400,000,000 was paid and the said transport was vested free from all encumbrances There was no valuation as at the date of the agreement and there was no approval or resolution by the board of directors of BK Marine Inc. in the year of 2017 to purchase the property. A resolution of the Board of Directors of BK Marine Inc. dated July 20, 2020 submitted to the registrar of deeds stated that by Agreement of Lease dated December 4, 2006 the company purchased from NICIL the property for $400 million.

The same resolution stated that the company is required to pay the balance of the purchase price in the sum of $182,342,482, fraudulently asserting that they paid the sum of $217,657,517 when in fact only a down payment of $20,260,276 was paid. The Attorney-General contended, in these circumstances, BK Marine Inc. was “unjustly enriched at the expense of the State and the People of Guyana and Jordan acted in clear breach of his fiduciary duty and caused loss to the State in approximately five billion dollars.” The Attorney-General is contending that the Transport No. 634 of 2020 for the property dated July 21, 2020 in the name of BK Marine Inc. was obtained by means of fraud and illegality, and therefore seeking a declaration that the said transport was obtained unlawfully. In those regards, he is seeking an Order directing the Registrar of Deeds to set aside the transport and an Order for Restitution to the State of the property. He is also seeking a declaration that the agreement of sale dated October 23, 2017 between BK Marine Inc and NICIL for the property is illegal, unlawful, null and void. Further, a declaration that the Vesting Order No. 50 of 2020 made by Jordan, is illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant and contrary to public policy and an order to set it aside. He is also claiming damages in excess of $200 million against Jordan, Heath-London and NICIL for loss and damages suffered as a result of a result of negligence, conspiracy and/or breach of a duty owed to the State. Damages in excess of $100 million against Jordan for loss and damage suffered as a result of breach of fiduciary duty owed to the State and an additional in excess of $100 million for misfeasance in public office. And damages in excess of $100 million from the four name defendants for loss or damage suffered as a result of fraud and interests in accordance with Section 12 of the Law Reform Miscellaneous Act.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

Understanding Energy

Flaring increase disappointing, but small in global context RECENT news of flaring offshore Guyana is undeniably disappointing from an environmental standpoint. Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, had announced that flaring would be reduced to the pilot level after a gas compressor issue was fixed late last year, but after two months of reduced flaring levels, equipment issues are again causing temporary higher flaring. It is important to understand that some low level of flaring is an inevitable consequence of oil production. This is true around the world, not just in Guyana. While most produced natural gas is safely reinjected into the ground or used to power the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, a very small amount of excess gas called a pilot flare must be continuously burned to maintain safety onboard FPSO vessels. Even though flaring remains an important safety measure, it is meant to be used rarely and as a precautionary measure. The design for the vessel in Guyana does not include routine flaring above the pilot level. Thankfully, ExxonMobil is still reinjecting most of the natural gas it’s producing in Guyana back into the ground. The current equipment issue means that less gas than usual is being reinjected and the remainder is being flared. This is far from an ideal situation, and it’s understandable that the government and others are concerned. But in a global context, the amount of natural gas being flared in Guyana is miniscule. It is difficult to see how it will diminish the country’s commitment to sustainable development. Recent media reports

highlighted that 10 billion cubic feet of gas were flared in Guyana in 2020. To put this into perspective, Nigeria flared over 275 billion cubic feet of produced natural gas, and Algeria flared nearly 330 billion cubic feet of gas in 2019. Indeed, World Bank data make it clear that Guyana is not even close to being in the top 30 countries for flaring. It’s worth noting that there has been some misinformation in Guyana because organisations have compared measurements in cubic feet with measurements in cubic metres, making the problem appear much larger than it is. Ecuador, which was number 30 on the World Bank’s list, flared 32 billion cubic feet of gas in 2019. That’s three times more than Guyana in 2020. The number one flaring country in 2019, Russia, flared nearly 820 billion cubic feet of gas in one year, or 80 times more than Guyana. Even with increased levels of flaring due to the compressor issues, Guyana’s total flaring since first production is a fraction of what the largest oil-producing countries flare each week. From a daily greenhouse gas emissions perspective, the current level of flaring is comparable to emissions from Guyana Power and Light and less than emissions from either the transportation sector or the agriculture sector. Of course, it is important to reduce this number, and repairs to the Liza Destiny FPSO equipment this year should help, but context is lacking. Some people use flaring on a per capita level to argue that Guyana’s flaring levels are too high. This measurement will always be unfair to countries with

small populations, including Guyana, and more favorable to larger countries like the United States or Brazil. This is one reason the World Bank measures flaring by country. Guyana is simply not a major flaring country by this measure. The World Bank does have guidance for oil-producing countries that is important to Guyana. In 2015, it launched the “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative,” targeting rapid and significant reductions in routine flaring and ensure that developing countries are working to end poverty and build shared prosperity in a sustainable manner. The projects offshore Guyana are in line with the World Bank’s initiative, which will continue to set the country apart from global oil producers that have utilized flaring for decades. Indeed, Guyana’s plans to avoid routine flaring line up with those of environmentally conscious oil producers like Norway and Canada, which boast some of the strictest environmental standards. As a new oil producer, setbacks like the gas compressor issue are frustrating, and it is important that they do not become long-term issues. Low flaring levels consistent with the World Bank Initiative and sustainable oil and gas development have allowed Guyana to remain committed to its sustainable development goals and Low Carbon Development Strategy. Embracing global best practices for extracting oil and gas is an important piece of maintaining Guyana’s sustainable development goals. Currently, Guyana is ranked second in CARICOM for the

promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, while supporting full and pro-

ductive employment. Fixing temporary flaring and sustaining Guyana’s commitment to zero routine flaring

will be a part of continuing progress toward the larger objective of sustainable development.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

With Dr. Shivani Samlall, MBBS, Gynecologist Oncologist Dr. Shivani Samlall, MBBS, is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a sub-specialty in Gynecology Oncology, and with over 10 years of medical practice. Dr Samlall can be contacted at drshivanisamlall26@gmail.com.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND WEIGHT LOSS CAN IMPROVE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) I recently shared a post on Facebook of the signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and I was stunned at the number of women who reached out. These women came forth with stories of

their numerous struggles. Some recounted stories of trying for years to conceive and are unable to because of weight gain, abnormal menstrual cycles, depression, changes to their physical appearance, hair loss, infer-

tility issues, amongst others. Sadly, most women are still unaware that they have PCOS. Some have suffered for years before their eventual diagnosis. For others, despite having a diagnosis, they are still struggling with the phys-

ical and emotional burden of this disease. It seems as if, no matter how many doctors they visit, and how many treatments they receive, they are unable to manage their condition, or achieve a pregnancy. All in all, they are struggling with their diagnosis of PCOS. It would be an injustice to say I understand their torment. We now live in a world where social media has now defined beauty, and this has subsequently placed an enormous pressure on what women should look like. Additionally, there is the pressure that society exerts on women to have children, and what gives a woman her identity. This week’s column discusses PCOS. It is my hope, that in some way, I can spread awareness on PCOS, to help women suffering to have as normal a life as possible. 2014: THE FIRST TIME I DIAGNOSED A PATIENT WITH PCOS I recall this 34-year-old patient, who came referring abnormal menstrual cycles (periods of no menstrual bleeding to periods of heavy bleeding), I recall her physical appearance (facial hair, acne, darkened neck (acanthosis nigricans) and obesity. She related trying unsuccessfully for many years to get pregnant. I suspected she had PCOS. We discussed some of the complications of PCOS such as metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, endometrial cancer and so forth. I ordered an RBS (random blood glucose), and unsurprising to me, it was over 400mg/ gl. At age 34, this patient had become a diabetic! LET US TALK PCOS! PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is a chronic condition of unknown cause and which so far has no cure. Its clinical manifestations are metabolic syndrome, menstrual and ovulatory dysfunction (causing infertility) and clinical hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, hair loss,

virilisation). It affects 200 million women worldwide. While I do not have any statistics on Guyana, I am certain that it is quite common among our women. SOME HARD FACTS OF PCOS - There is a nine per cent greater risk of endometrial cancer - Approximately 50 per cent of women with PCOS will be diabetic by age 40 - Four in 10 cases of diabetes can be linked to PCOS - 34 per cent of women with PCOS have depression and 45 per cent have anxiety - One in three women with PCOS has an abnormal glucose tolerance - About six per cent of PCOS patients have bulimia, compared to about one per cent of other women - About 20 per cent of women with PCOS have no menstrual periods - Between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance Because the cause of PCOS is unknown, medications are generally used to help manage the symptoms. However, studies have shown that lifestyle changes can play a major role in controlling the symptoms and even reverse the patient’s phenotype (appearance). WHAT IS CONSIDERED LIFESTYLE CHANGES? This means adopting a healthy lifestyle that involves physical exercise and weight loss. In overweight and obese women with PCOS, lifestyle changes are the primary treatment. A weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week is recommended, with a final target of about 10 per cent decrease in weight. WHAT DIETS DO WE CHOOSE IN ORDER TO LOSE WEIGHT? There is not much data on which diet works best for

PCOS patients. However, data based on food principles show that a decrease in carbohydrate intake would reduce high insulin levels, which in turn would lower insulin resistance. Therefore, diets that are low in carbohydrates are favoured. What is certain is that less energy intake than energy consumption will result in a weight loss. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE? Studies show that the type, frequency or duration of the exercise do not influence the results that patients get from it and that regular, aerobic exercise of moderate intensity not only contributes to weight loss and improved insulin resistance, but also improves reproductive outcomes, including ovulation and regulation of menstrual cycles. In view of the improvement of women’s menstrual cycles, and their other symptoms, it is recommended for patients with PCOS to do exercise (preferably aerobic physical activity) of moderate intensity for 90 minutes per week. My recommendation is to start off simple and adopt a lifestyle that you can maintain. If not, the weight you lose will easily return. Remember, diet is not about starving the body but about reducing your portion size and increasing on vegetable intake. You can join support groups such as Cysterhood Support-Guyana, which offers support to women with PCOS. Together, we can all help spread awareness of this concerning women’s health issue so undiagnosed women can get the support, diagnosis, and treatment needed.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

HIV and COVID-19 The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus which causes HIV infection. The abbreviation “HIV” can refer to the virus or to HIV infection. The virus targets a person’s immune system and attacks and eventually destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells. As more and more CD4 cells are destroyed, the immune system becomes weakened, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and lead to AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV is transmitted through contact with HIV infected bodily fluids. It is spread mainly by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV, sharing a needle with an HIV infected person and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery and/or breast feeding. HIV infection is a lifelong disease for which there is still no cure. There is, however, effective anti-HIV medication which, when taken correctly, allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines every day. ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV. ART prevents HIV from multiplying, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body (called the viral load). Having less HIV in the body protects the immune system and prevents HIV infection from advancing to AIDS. ART can’t cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. A main goal of ART is to reduce a person’s viral load to an undetectable level. An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a viral load test. People with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partner through sex. COVID-19 COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization (WHO) first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. In March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth. To date, more than 100 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 2.2 million people have died from this disease. COVID-19 and HIV We are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people with HIV. Based on what we know so far, we believe that people with HIV who are on effective treatment have the same risk for COVID-19 as people who do not have HIV. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or obesity, might be at increased risk of severe illness. Chronic smokers are also at risk for more severe disease. People living with HIV who are either not on treatment or are not adhering to their treatment regimen have a compromised immune system and are therefore at risk of having severe disease should they be infected with SARS CoV2 virus. This includes people with a: Low CD4 count (<350 cells), High viral load (>1000c/ul) And/or a recent opportunistic infection (eg: Pulmonary Tuberculosis). People living with HIV, who are not on treatment or failing their current treatment regimen, are also more susceptible to respiratory tract infections. For this reason, it is important for HIV+ patients to remain on their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Similarily to the general population, older people with HIV who have other underlying health conditions should adhere to the prescribed treatment regimens for those conditions. BEING PREPARED FOR COVID-19

COVID-19 VACCINES Many new vaccines have been developed to help stop the spread of this pandemic. In December 2020, several countries started giving emergency approval for the vaccines to be used. We are also hopeful that we will soon start offering vaccines to everyone. TURN TO PAGE

Contributed By: Dr Mallika Mootoo, MD Paediatrician/ HIV Clinician St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

Two election cycles will be required to flush out the public shame in GECOM ON page 51 in his book, Guyana’s Great Economic Downswing, 1977-1999, Socio-economic impact of Co-operative Socialism, published by Xlibris in 2020, Dr. Ramesh Gampat declares that “Convenient historical forgetting and convenient historical remembering are part and parcel of tribal politics, which has poisoned and corrupted the average Guyanese mind.” On page 57, Dr. Gampat elaborates further, “If there is one axiom of political tribalism in Guyana, it is that Africans will do anything to get into power and will not surrender power easily even if they lose fairly at the polls.” I pulled the above quotes from Gampat’s book to assist me to analyze what transpired after the March 2, 2020, general elections in Guyana. I would modify, however, “Africans will do

anything…” to APNU/AFC Coalition leaders and supporters would do anything to grab power. I have seen more Indian tribalism in the AFC than in any other political party in Guyana. I would rather see M. Nagamootoo and K. Ramjattan riding bicycles around their villages rather than politicking for votes. That said, it is common knowledge that attempts were made to rig the March 2, 2020, general elections to favour the APNU/AFC Coalition, a claim substantiated and supported by local, regional, and international observers as well as social media footage. Moreover, the rigging attempt is at least suspect by the fact that the chief and returning election officers, the chairwoman, and an agent of the APNU/AFC Coalition, have been charged with various offences stemming from their behavior during the finalisation of the general elections. Of course,

these are charges, not guilty verdicts. It is common knowledge also that some “influential” individuals and some sections of Guyana believe that the attempt to rig the March 2, 2020, general elections to favour the APNU/AFC Coalition never happened. They have put forward a narrative that the general election is flawed insofar as in conflict with their findings of what constitutes a “valid vote.” There is a pending election petition that demonstrates that the position of the Coalition and its supporters is no argle-bargle matter. This argument, even from a layman’s perspective, is not backed by sound evidence to change the outcome of the election results. The argument is more deterministic, which usurps the possibility of any alternative views. The question before us is, why after more than two decades of “normal” general

elections, we have returned to both main political parties claiming victory at the polls. What makes this question worth exploring is that we have skipped over the gains made in conducting “reliable” elections in the past two decades and returned to the period of blatant rigging of elections during the three decades of PNC leadership in Guyana. We have backpedaled in this regard. If we agree that the conditions of politics (marginalization and exclusion) rather than the politics of conditions (competition, triumphalism, and zero-sum narratives) have led to electoral rigging, then we must face and address the following questions and observations. Why is it that the PNC, and later APNU/ AFC coalition (28 + 5 = 32 years) have failed to deliver to its supporting base when in power? How come the leadership has not responded to its own charges of marginalization in its electoral base? We do not need to conduct research or interrogate analysts to know that the lives of African politicians have been upgraded to elite status while the lives of the African

masses have been downgraded or remained economically stagnant. This inequitable situation might explain why the Coalition was not confident with the attitudes and allegiances of voters to retain power, forcing it to look for alternative plans and paths of survival. What this meant for the APNU/AFC Coalition was going back to the days when the rigging of elections was a normalized process. I am convinced that this process since March 2, 2020, has been transformed from the “rigoton” days of the 1970s and 1980s to GECOM school of electoral rigging, supported by rhizomatic roots and routes. The challenge for the PPP administration is how to reform this GECOM school of electoral rigging with a reverse Midas touch. I am not referring to legislative reforms. That is a sine qua non. I am referring to the trappings of some who are not only uninterested in any reform but are also convinced that “unfinished business” at GECOM must be completed before or during the next election. Guyana’s

Election Commission has become diseased, so much so that any real reform will require two election voting cycles (10 years) to flush out the nadir of ignominy to restore credibility. Side-stepping this requirement will result in chasing a will-o’-the-wisp dream. The good thing, however, is that the current situation at GECOM provides a fertile ground for collaboration among political parties and stakeholders to establish an independent management body, including a new system for judicial resolution of election disputes. Dr. Gampat, on pages 532 and 533, declares that Guyana “simply lacks the political will for change largely because its leaders are captive to tribal interest and tribal politics.” He adds that “we are defined not by conditions in which find ourselves, but in how we choose to respond” to these conditions (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

First-ever bio-fortified rice variety in Caribbean being developed –– zinc, other minerals added

IN Guyana and the Caribbean, rice is considered a versatile staple and is a key component in the diet of most Guyanese. In an effort to promote healthy food choices among citizens, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Rice Research Station has collaborated with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to develop a bio-fortified rice variety with nutritionally enhanced zinc. Medical experts have recommended daily doses of zinc to boost the immune system so that it can withstand infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus. On Friday last, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited the rice research station, which is located in Burma, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), to carry out an assessment of the trial plots currently under cultivation with the bio-fortified rice. The GRDB’s Chief Scientist Dr. Mahendra Persaud, said the strains are currently part of a breeding trial and will be tested over the next three seasons. “We’ve been testing some breeding lines and established varieties for higher levels of zinc. We have 17 promising entries at four trial locations. These trials will go on for at least three more seasons before we make a final selection on which of the

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (second left) with other officials of the ministry, IICA and CARICOM

strains will go into the farmers’ fields for a final analysis for release as a variety. It’s quite at the initial stage, but we are very optimistic because we’ve seen these lines perform well at the breeding stage over the past five years. Dr. Mahendra said that once the breeding programme for the bio-fortified rice is completed and the selected strain meets the desired characteristic that farmers looks for, it will be released to the market. Minister Mustapha said that he was very impressed over the progress made with the development and pledged the ministry’s full support throughout the process. “I’m very excited about this project. I’m thankful to IICA and CARICOM for

starting the pilot project here in Guyana. This project is good, not only for Guyana, but for the entire Caribbean because, once released, this variety will help with not only curbing hunger but with malnutrition and promoting healthy lifestyles. I am eager for this candidate variety to be given the green light for release to our farmers. This will also attract a higher market value which means better prices for our farmers,” Minister Mustapha said. IMPORTANT ROLE The subject minister further stated that over the years, Guyana has been playing an important role in the Caribbean in terms of agriculture and will continue to work with other CARICOM

HIV and ...

FROM PAGE

The vaccines which have been approved for use are all considered safe for people living with HIV. To be approved, vaccines must pass multiple safety trials, and be reviewed by national regulators to ensure they are both safe and effective. Several of the COVID-19 vaccine trials included people living with HIV. As with the general population, for people living with HIV, the vaccines help your body to develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19, so you are able to fight it off if exposed Even after being vaccinated, it is important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19 transmission until cases of the virus have fallen to a safe level.

KEY POINTS: * People living with HIV and on effective anti-retroviral treatment (ART) do not appear to be at greater risk of getting COVID-19. * Our understanding of the risk of developing severe COVID-19 in people living

with HIV is evolving. Current evidence suggests that HIV is less of a risk factor for severe COVID-19 than other health conditions. * People living with HIV not on treatment or virally suppressed may be at a greater risk. Speak to a healthcare professional for more information on how to stay healthy. * As with the general population, older people living with HIV and those with other underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to prevent illness. * Try to have at least a 30 days’ supply of ART in your home. If possible, ask for three months. * The current COVID-19 vaccines are believed to be safe for people living with HIV. * We are continuing to learn about COVID-19. Remember to keep in touch with your healthcare provider and follow government advice. END

nations to improve the Region’s food and nutrition security. IICA Country Representative in Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, said that once released, the bio-fortified rice will be the first in the Region. “It is the first in the Region for this type of trial and certainly the first in Guyana. As we know, especially with the COVID19, there have been recommendations for

small doses of zinc and Vitamin C and so on. So this is something we’ll continue. IICA will continue to work with GRDB. It would be very good if we can get one or two varieties very soon into the CARICOM market and we’ll ensure that benefits are realised outside of the borders of Guyana. Shaun Baugh, who is the Programme Manager for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial

Development at CARICOM, said that the project came about after CARICOM leaders felt the need to deal with issues surrounding food security and food and nutrition. “This project came to the secretariat… and we noticed that food security was one of the issues that needed to be dealt with, more importantly, food and nutrition, hence the application of zinc. This is one of the many projects that are ongoing. As we go along and as COVID-19 has thought us, the time is now for us in our Region to start looking at food security, where does our food come from and from a collective purpose, to see how best we can start ruling our own destiny in terms of providing for our people,” Baugh said. The strains that are currently under cultivation as part of the breeding programme are expected to be harvested by the second week of March, 2021, based on the flowering of the plants.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Second theatre operational at NA Hospital –– third to become operational next month, some 987 surgeries performed at the hospital in 2020 By Vishani Ragobeer A REDUCTION in the backlog of elective surgeries at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital (NAPH), in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), is expected now that the hospital’s second operating theatre has been repaired and the third theatre is expected to be operational by March. Recently, Regional Health Officer (RHO) of

Region Six, Dr. Vishalya Sharma, told the Guyana Chronicle that the hospital’s second operating theatre was not functional for some time, due to infrastructural and other issues. This, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed a strain on the health sector, created a backlog of about 600 non-emergent or elective surgeries. Elective surgeries, generally, are not life-threatening

medical emergencies. Dr Sharma, however, explained that it is still important to treat patients’ needs, even if they are not experiencing a medical emergency. It is for this reason that the now repaired operating theatre and the third theatre, expected to be operational by next month, would help to provide relief to patients in the region. “We’re hoping that with this, we can help to clear

some of the backlog within the next six months and also we have started working at 50 per cent capacity,” Dr. Sharma said. She also related that the hospital would continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation to determine the safest way of expanding the services offered, amid the pandemic. The hospital offers surgical services in general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology,

orthopedics, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) health. Despite the lull the hospital experienced, Dr. Sharma highlighted that the hospital has been able to do 987 emergency surgeries in 2020, using only a single operating theatre. Additionally, to mitigate the spread and impact of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the RHO emphasised that a much greater focus has been placed on ensuring that there is sufficient in-house training at all of the medical facilities within the region. “One of the challenges was dealing with the pandemic and implementing new protocols and guidelines because if we’re going to reopen services, we had to ensure that we do it safely,” she reasoned. Improving the care offered at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and in the region generally, has been the focus of the local health authori-

Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Six, Dr. Vishalya Sharma ties. A few months ago, in a bid to bring additional relief to the residents of the region, computerised tomography (CT) scanning machines were installed at the New Amsterdam hospital. The scans are being offered free of cost to persons in need of diagnostic treatment, who were previously forced to travel elsewhere to seek this type of service.

Mother hands over sons suspected of murder to police THREE brothers are in police custody after a 20-year-old was stabbed to death Friday at his Lot 317 Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home. Reports indicate that the mother of the three youths handed them over to police after cops enquired about their whereabouts, since they were identified as perpetrators of the stabbing. Dead is Emanuel Solomon of Belle West, WBD. The incident occurred about 18:30hrs. Two of the brothers are being held at the La Grange Police Station. They have been identified as Kyale Roberts, 26, and Kurlsen Roberts, 23, both of Lot 463 Belle West, WBD. Reports indicate that Solomon and the suspects had a misunderstanding over a football game about eight months ago and on Friday, the 20-year-old was Dead: Emanuel sitting in front of his resSolomon idence when the suspects confronted him. According to his mother, the suspects approached her son and rushed towards him, stabbing him about his body before he fell to the ground. The perpetrators then made good their escape on foot. Following the incident, the mother and public-spirited persons picked up Solomon and took him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead. The body was then escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour where it awaits an autopsy. The police subsequently arrested all three brothers. Under questioning, one of the brothers allegedly admitted to stabbing Solomon because of a previous confrontation in which he suffered injuries to the face and hand. The brothers are in police custody as an investigation continues.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

New $16M bridge opened in Albouystown –– more than 200 construction projects being undertaken, says Minister Edghill

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new bridge in the presence of Mayor Ubraj Narine and Constituency Councillor, Heston Bostwick

PUBLIC Works Minister, Juan Edghill, was on hand Saturday morning to open a brand new concrete bridge at Hogg and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown that was completed at a cost of almost $16M, and will significantly aid traffic out of the City during rush hours.

The bridge contractor completed the work one month ahead of schedule, and Constituency Councillor for Albouystown/Charlestown, Heston Bostwick, said he was happy that the minister was able to attend the opening ceremony. In the presence of Mayor

Ubraj Narine; Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore and other municipality and ministry staff, Minister Edghill made a call for the City Council to work together with government. According to a social media post by Minister Edghill, the previous wooden bridge was damaged last September

The new bridge at Hogg and Sussex Streets, Albouystown

11, and although it is the responsibility of the Mayor and City Council, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Central Government stepped in to build the bridge. Minister Edghill urged motorists not to use community bridges to transport heavy loads and to take the neces-

sary precautions when using the roadways. He explained that the Ministry of Public Works is undertaking more than 200 construction projects in Regions One to 10. He appealed to Guyanese for maintenance of Guyana's physical infrastructure so that monies could be used for improvements instead of repairs, and vowed to the residents of North Georgetown and South Georgetown that they will not be forgotten by the PPP/C Government. Councillor Bostwick made known his concerns again about container trucks that continue to significantly damage roads in the City.

Minister Edghill, according to Bostwick, listened to these and other complaints by members of the community. Bostwick offered that the bridge should have been constructed with a pedestrian area, and noted that other streets such as Non Pariel, La Penitence and Hunter are in urgent need of repairs. La Penitence Street aids greatly in traffic management when Hunter Street is congested. Furthermore, he is hoping that the City Council will include works for the bridge at Hunter and Sussex Streets in its 2021 budget.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Reg. 3 going ‘coco-nuts’ with US $2M project –– local investor seeking to satisfy local, regional and international markets –– value-added products, ecotourism part of long-term development plan By Vishani Ragobeer

A SHORT speedboat ride across the Demerara River, from Supply on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), takes you to what is colloquially referred to as “No Man’s Land”. Here, there are large swathes of land with a rich soil composition, which, along with the tropical climate and close proximity to the navigable Demerara River makes it a prime space for large-scale agriculture. And that is exactly what local trader from Rayo Trades Inc, Rajkumar Outar, has begun using the land for. He has leased about 1000 acres of land, at this area which is located aback the community of Wales on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three, for the purpose of establishing a coconut plantation. In a recent visit to the burgeoning plantation, called Riverlands Farms, Outar the Guyana Chronicle was informed by Outar that the establishment of the coconut plantation was a substantial investment pegged at about US $2M. He added that the investment will be made in phases. As a trader, Outar related that he exports coconuts from smaller scale farmers all across Guyana. Annually, Rayo Trades exports about 200 containers of dry coconuts, with about 60,000 units per container. Altogether, on average, the company exports about 12 million coconuts from Guyana - a sizable feat. “The birth of the idea actually took place when we saw that we were unable to supply the full demand of coconuts out there,” Outar related, however. The goal, after that realisation, has been to solidly supply dry coconuts to markets in the Caribbean and even further afield in countries such as the Ivory Coast, India and the Philippines. And, for Outar, this is not unachievable. Outar currently has a small team of 17 persons, and they

Local trader Rajkumar Outar stands where some of the Irish potatoes will be planted shortly. On both sides of the bed, there are the coconut seedlings already planted and the potatoes will be planted when the bed is better prepared (Delano Williams photo)

have been able to plant about 12,000 seedlings in a nursery and cultivate 200 acres of land thus far. Shortly, cultivation will intensify and the 70,000 coconut trees will sprawl across the 1,000 acres of land. By that, he expects that he will be able to employ between 40 to 100 persons. Importantly, in an attempt to exploit the land space other cash crops, such as Irish potatoes, passion fruits, avocados and tomatoes, will be planted through an intercropping regime. These cash crops will allow Outar to garner revenues that will aid the sustenance of the plantation, since it will take a few years before the coconut seedlings mature into trees and begin producing the coconuts. Shortly, in collaboration with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and Ministry of Agriculture, Outar will commence intercropping with

A section of the coconut seedlings at the nursery at Riverlands Farm on West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three (Delano Williams photo) Irish potatoes. The seedlings have already been imported and the first yields are expected sometime in mid-2021, as potatoes can be planted and harvested between 90 to 110 days.

concerned,” he said. Outar’s efforts tie into the national impetus for coconut and general agricultural production. Recently, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha told this newspaper that concerted efforts will be made this year to transform the local coconut industry. The expansion of this industry will begin with further enhancements to the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL). Last year, non-traditional agricultural produce earned Guyana over US$12.2 million (G$2.5B) in revenues. Of that sum, the export of dried coconuts earned over $1.6 billion. This product was the largest export, accounting for 8,217 metric tonnes of total exports. There are about 1,800 farmers in Guyana’s local coconut industry. They collectively cultivate some 24,000 acres of coconut in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. Guyana, on average, produces 92 million nuts annually, much of which is exported for coconut copra and water, mainly to Barbados, Trinidad and The Dominican Republic. And, in a few years, the development on the Riverlands Farms is expected to add to this sector.

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS Eventually, Riverlands farms will also include a small packaging plant. Through this, Outar affirmed that the produce, fresh from the farm, can be supplied to local supermarket chains with which Rayo Trades has a preexisting relationship. But, beyond that, he sees the coconut as a ‘wonder nut’ that can be exploited. Each part of the coconut has some use, and Outar has already begun thinking about making ropes, mats and other decorative pieces. “I intend to make my mark on the coconut industry here in Guyana and to put Guyana on the map, where coconuts are

ECOTOURISM Beyond agricultural products, Outar has already begun conceptualising plans to transform this coconut plantation into an ecotourism destination also. He reasoned that the plantation is close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and the trip across the Demerara River might prove scenic and enjoyable to tourists. He also imagines constructing a cabin, or two, and allowing persons to explore the space. “When the canals are clean and the plantation is established, I think it would be a prime location for tourism.... A lot of people out there in the Caribbean do not know what ecotourism is and would like to explore it, and I think here would be a prime location for that,” he said.

such as chemicals, fertilisers and planting materials to help restore their farms after the prolonged flooding caused extensive damage to their crops. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, said the agency had expended close to GY$3M to procure the fertilisers, chemicals, seeds and other planting materials that were distributed to the farmers. Minister Mustapha, while offering a comment on the exercise, said that government will continue to support the nation’s farmers. “When I visited the Pomeroon, those farmers who were affected said that they really needed help with these items since most of their crops were destroyed. I made a commitment to have these items distributed among the farming commu-

NAREI officers while taking the details of a farmer who was affected by flooding and will receive assistance (Ministry of Agriculture photo) nity and, today, we were able agriculture and support our to fulfil that commitment. farmers,” Minister Mustapha As Minister of Agriculture, said. I will continue to work to Extension officers from address the needs of our NAREI had conducted farm farmers. With the renewed visits over the last few days interest we have seen in the to assess the losses and get agriculture sector over the a general idea of the need of past six months, the ministry each farmer affected. and the entire government A number of farmers will ensure we play that fa- also benefited from a quancilitating role to promote tity of Acoushi ants bait.

Flood-affected Pomeroon farmers receive fertilisers, other chemicals FARMERS from the Pomeroon who were adversely affected by prolonged flooding over the past few weeks, on Saturday received assistance in the form of fertilisers, chemicals and other planting material from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). This relief came about after Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with a number of the affected farmers last week. The minister committed to assisting the affected farmers after several requests were made for items

Local trader, Rajkumar Outar overlooks his nursery of about 12,000 coconut seedlings at his Riverlands Farm, aback the community of Wales on West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three (Delano Williams photo)

NAREI officers with some of the items that were distributed to the flood-affected farmers in Pomeroon (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

Berbician appointed chief nurse at Alexandra Hospital in Nevis By Jeune Bailey Van Keric NEW AMSTERDAM-born Chandreka-Persaud Wallace, who left her homeland as a child, was recently promoted as matron of the Alexandra Hospital in the Caribbean island of Nevis. Born to Lackram and Dyavanti Persaud, the young Chandreka and her sister, Hemwattie. were raised at Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice, before emigrating to St Kitts and Nevis, where they joined their parents on December 25, 1999. From an early age, Chandreka developed a love for nursing. So when she received an opportunity in high school to do an internship, her choice was to go to a hospital to observe the day-today operations of the nurses. Those experiences cemented her career path. Those experiences aside, Chandreka possesses a kind, nurturing and caring person-

ality which makes her the right fit for the job. In September 2005, she completed training to become a nurse at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, St. Kitts, and began working at the Alexandra Hospital on December 5 of the same year. The Alexandra Hospital serves a population of some 10,000 people and provides a wide range of services, including obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, gerontology, general surgery and urology. The building also accommodates Accident/Emergency/Outpatient and Radiology departments. Chandreka, who is currently pursuing her Master’s in Health Care Management, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of the West Indies (UWI). She also hold certification and specialised training incident command and supervi-

Chandreka-Persaud Wallace

sory management from UWI and clinical management of HIV, midwifery, mass casualty care, emergency care and treatment and an Associate Degree in General Nursing from the Clarence Fitzroy Byrant College, St Kitts & Nevis. During the journey of caring for suffering humanity,

the married mother of two worked in all the departments at the hospital. However, most of her years were at the Accident and Emergency Department. Most recently, she worked alongside the Assistant Matron in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Unit. Prior to her recent ap-

pointment, Chandreka, a devout Christian, who attends the Newcastle Wesleyan Holiness Church, was an Assistant Nurse Manager and led several nursing operations. “These chances have made me better able to organise and coordinate and assigned staff to ensure the smooth operation of the designated shift. Prior to holding this post, I would have also done several stints as Charge Nurse. I have also been given the opportunity to be exposed to nursing administration by shadowing the Assistant Matron whose guidance and wisdom has prepared me for administrative opportunities and embedded leadership practices in me which have made me a more rounded individual,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. Recalling her years prior to the appointment, the 35-year-old matron said she did not face many challenges as she always had the support

of her family and friends around her. “Therefore, I never had any issues when opportunities arose to better myself. My husband, Stascius, has been a driving force in my life, always encouraging me to be the best that I could be at all times,” she added. Though she had to adjust to living in a new land, she soon found solace in the warmth and care of the people of St. Kitts. In addition, her warm personality quickly allowed her to connect with her peers. A former past President of the Nevis Nurses Association for two consecutive terms (2015-2019), Chandreka is hoping to improve nursing practice where necessary, maintain a high standard of care, improve staff morale and lobby for a better nursing fraternity in her adopted homeland.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 7, 2021

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:30 hrs Radames 09:05 hrs Miss La Dee Da 09:40 hrs Mexican Catdance 10:15 hrs Lord Wylie 10:50 hrs Peanut Butter

Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown 09:10 hrs Dystart Diamond 09:40 hrs Quilixios 10;10 hrs Appreciate 10:40 hrs Ballyshannon Rose 11:10 hrs Monkfish 11:40 hrs Kemboy 12:10 hrs The Long Mile 12:40 hrs Brandy Love

English Racing TIPS Musselburgh 09:55 hrs Carlos Felix 10:25 hrs Threeunderthrufive 10:55 hrs Keeper Hill 11:25 hrs Third Time Luck 11:55 hrs Hills Of Connemara 12:25 hrs Golden Emblem

Southwell 09:35 hrs Red Allure 10:05 hrs Campachoochoo 11:05 hrs Delph Crescent 11:35 hrs Atrafan 12:05 hrs Double Dealing 12:35 hrs Qaaraat

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Former Windies fast bowler dies in accident

(CMC) – Former West Indies fast bowler and coach, Ezra Moseley, died here early yesterday following a vehicular accident. Reports here say the 63-year-old Barbadian was pronounced dead at the scene after the bicycle he was riding collided with an SUV, at the

junction of the ABC Highway and Providence Road in the southern parish of Christ Church. A nippy right-arm seamer, Moseley featured in two Tests for West Indies in 1990 claiming six wickets and went on to also play nine One-Day Internationals,

finishing with seven scalps. Overall, Moseley claimed 279 wickets from 79 matches in a first-class career that involved stints with English county Glamorgan A member of the controversial rebel tour to South Africa in 1983, Moseley also turned out for Eastern Prov-

YBG aims to create safe training for schools, youth teams …Systems in place for gradual re-start of Youth basketball

ince and Northern Transvaal in South Africa. Since his retirement, Moseley served as a coach with the West Indies women’s side and at the St Michael School here which produced current Test captain and world-rated all-rounder Jason Holder.

Inaugural President’s T20 softball tournament to be launched today ….Dr Irfaan Ali to give feature remarks PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali is scheduled to give remarks at today’s launching of the inaugural President’s T20 softball tournament, set to be played during the weekend of March 5, 6 and 7 in Guyana. The launching will take place at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) pavilion, starting at 12:00hrs. Also scheduled to speak are Minister of Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, and Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. president Ian John. Popular cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud will chair the proceedings. The President’s T20 tournament follows on the heels of the successful staging of the fourth edition of

the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup in November last year and is being staged by the GSCL Inc. in collaboration with Guyana’s ‘Honorary Consul’ in Florida. Unlike the Prime Minister’s Cup, GSCL is making strenuous efforts to attract teams from New York, Florida and Canada and invitations have been sent out to these overseas organisations. The tournament will be played in three categories, Open (any age), Masters (Over-40 years) and Legends (Over-50 years) with a minimum of eight teams per category, including teams from overseas. There is no entrance fee to participate. However, it is expected that all participating

teams will be in full uniform and also have a scorer. The organisers will ensure the venues are up to standard, will appoint umpires, provide lunches, water and balls throughout the tournament. The winning teams in each category will receive $500 000 and a trophy while the runners-up will collect $100 000 and a trophy. There will be other incentive prizes, including televisions and trophies for individual performances as well. Among the venues identified are Everest Cricket Club, Police Eve Leary, Queen’s College LBI, Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Demer-

ara Cricket Club (DCC) and Malteenoes. The several sponsors include Banks DIH, Dany Persaud (YouTuber), Elegance Jewellery & Pawn Shop, Star Party Rentals, Crown Mining Supplies, Regal Sports, Mohamed’s Enterprise, King’s Jewellery World, Roraima Group of Companies, and Dina Trading. The GSCL stressed that all the necessary guidelines requested by the COVID-19 Task Force were adhered to during the staging of the Prime Minister’s Cup in November and assured that same will be done for the President’s T20 softball tournament.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a dramatic point for Everton in the fifth minute of stoppage time as they twice came from behind to hold Manchester United in a six-goal thriller at Old Trafford. On the 63rd anniversary of the Munich air disaster, Scott McTominay's header seemed to have sealed a victory that would have taken United level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. However, after they had already responded superbly to falling two behind before half-time on Saturday, Everton refused to buckle. And, as United grew increasingly desperate, Calvert-Lewin took advan-

tage of weak defending from a Lucas Digne free-kick to stab in from close range. United are now two points behind league leaders City and have also played two games more than their neighbours. Speaking about the situation at the top of the table, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Sky Sports: "We're not talking about winning titles. "We've come a long way. We shouldn't be considered as title chasers. That's one for you [media]. We've got better as a team - let's see where we end up." Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side only had themselves to blame for failing to secure maximum points. Excellent first-half efforts from Edinson

Cavani and Bruno Fernandes should have been the prelude to a comfortable second period. But goalkeeper David de Gea's mistake gifted Abdoulaye Doucoure a goal four minutes after the restart and, on the visitors' next attack, James Rodriguez rifled home the equaliser before McTominay's header was cancelled out by Calvert-Lewin's late intervention. Given the poignancy of the day, it was fitting one of the four academy graduates in the United line-up should play a significant role in the opener. Marcus Rashford has represented the Old Trafford club in the best way possible off the field during lock-

down but it should never be forgotten what an excellent player the 23-year-old forward is. His cross, from the right side of the box to the far post, dropped perfectly over Michael Keane for Cavani, who had used all his game intelligence to give himself the space required to finish. Fernandes' superb second brought back memories of Eric Cantona's audacious chip against Sunderland in 1996 - the Portugal midfielder taking his time, after Tom Davies had misread his intentions, before lifting the ball over Robin Olsen from the edge of the area, even though the Everton keeper was only a couple of yards off his line.

Everton secure last ditch draw against Manchester United

Chris Bowman has been arguably the most inspirational Youth basketball leader in Guyana over the last two decades

YOUTH Basketball Guyana (YBG) aims to use innovative ways, in line with the recommendations from the COVID-19 Task Force, to re-start its basketball activities in Guyana. The dynamic sporting body has a strategic plan, which includes short-term, medium-term and longterm measures. Co-Director of YBG, Chris Bowman, noted that the role of the organisation is to promote the game, while facilitating growth of not only the sport, but also of its players. “It is our view that youth and school sports will need deliberate help to return to organised play. Our plan, which is with the Ministry of Public Health/ COVID-19 Task Force is specifically designed to do this for school basketball.” Bowman said that once approved, the plan will allow YBG to set up several safe recreational clusters that meet COVID-19 mitigation standards. This falls in line with the short-term plans of the organisation, which include help for schools and youth teams to reboot by creating safe training space through clusters. The co-Director noted that this would be done immediately. “It will also provide access to small groups of student-athletes at a time, in a targeted way. Examples are girls and boys in age group 13 to 16, and U-19 males gradually returning to active

training.” He said that the medium-term goal entails YBG testing its re-start guidelines with skills challenge series in a decentralised format. If this goes according to plans, it could happen next month. In terms of its longterm plan, YBG is hoping to execute a safe and successful Regional Conference/National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) in May to July. Bowman noted that having systems in place would ensure a smooth transition to the re-start process. He added that persons are already supporting the initiative. “We have already gotten a commitment from one of our major partners, Edison Chouest Offshore/ G-BOATS GUYANA to help fund our re-start initiative. The plan is to sanitise and prepare approved facilities, provide the required protective gear and materials, secure game equipment, and to ensure that these safe spaces are staffed and managed, and maintained to COVID-19 preventative standards.” He added that the executive members would use both the short- and medium-term plans to test the process and then work their way to a remodelled Regional Conference/National School Basketball Festival. “All we are waiting for right now is the green light from the Task Force. YBG has always been a leader in Youth sport and that’s exactly what we plan to continue doing.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

England tighten screws on India (ESPNCRICINFO) - Joe Root’s second double-hundred in three matches helped England turn the screw on the second day in Chennai, as India conceded more than 550 in a single innings of a home Test for the first time since 2011. Dom Sibley’s dismissal in the last over of the first day had provided India with an opening, with England in danger of wasting an impressive start to the Test and with memories of their last visit to Chepauk - when they had racked up 477 and lost by an innings - still fresh. But Ben Stokes opted to attack as the pitch started to show signs of wear, racking up 82 off 118 balls to take England to lunch unscathed, before Root’s stand with Ollie Pope in the afternoon session helped them towards 500. India were eventually rewarded for their bowlers’ hard work, taking four wickets for 52 in the evening ses-

sion to leave England eight down, but their focus may now be on saving - rather than winning - the Test. After driving the scoring rate on the first evening in partnership with Sibley, Root played second fiddle

for most of his stand with Stokes. Having survived an inswinging yorker from Jasprit Bumrah early in the day, jamming his bat down late to keep it out, via an edge into the boot, Stokes decided to put his foot down,

and launched R Ashwin for a straight six inside the first half-hour. There were signs in the first session that the pitch was not quite as flat as it had seemed on the first day, with puffs of dust from the surface

Joe Root celebrates his double-ton (BCCI)

and variable bounce for the spinners. Wa s h i n g t o n S u n d ar found some trampoline bounce from the foot-holes outside Stokes’ off stump, while Ashwin was convinced he had trapped Stokes lbw reverse-sweeping, only to discover on review that the ball had hit him on the glove. India burned their second review five balls later, when Shahbaz Nadeem’s arm ball struck Root on the pad, but ball-tracking confirmed that it would have missed the top of leg stump. Stokes had two further lives, when Ashwin put down a half-chance off his own bowling and Cheteshwar Pujara, diving at full stretch, failed to cling on at midwicket. Stokes made his intentions clear by slog-sweeping Nadeem for six, three balls after the second drop, before reverse-sweeping him for a pair of boundaries to bring up fifty. Stokes continued to score

freely after lunch, clubbing Nadeem over long-on and clipping Bumrah’s slower ball through midwicket, but eventually holed out, slog-sweeping straight down square leg’s throat where Pujara clung on despite initially fumbling. Pope joined Root at 387 for 4 and unsurprisingly looked slightly rusty after six months out through injury. Kohli used India’s third and final review when Pope swept to leg gully, but replays showed it had clearly hit the forearm rather than the glove. Root, meanwhile, picked up where he had left off on Friday, happily milking Sundar and Nadeem for singles to keep the score ticking over. He was creative in playing reverse-sweeps and laps, but reached his double with a more orthodox shot, skipping down the wicket to swing Ashwin over the long-on boundary for six.

Pakistan maintain lead despite late South African surge (ESPNCRICINFO) - Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf put on 52 for the sixth wicket to push Pakistan’s lead to 200 after South Africa’s spinners bowled them back into the game. Keshav Maharaj and George Linde shared five wickets between them to leave Pakistan 76 for 5, ahead by 147 runs, but three dropped catches undermined a disciplined effort by the attack and will mean South Africa face a tough chase. The Rawalpindi surface continues to show signs of variable bounce and to keep

low, and while South Africa’s seamers did not get any reverse swing, Pakistan’s attack had it in significant supply. They forced a collapse of the South African lower order, who lost five wickets for 37 runs and were bowled out for 201, 71 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings score. That lead, as well South Africa’s mistakes in the field, could prove decisive in the series outcome. Faheem was dropped on 0, by Dean Elgar at slip off Linde, when he got a thick outside edge. Linde bowled nine overs, more than his 5.5 in the first innings, when he lacerated the little finger

on his bowling hand. With substantial dressing on the injury, he has managed to find a way to continue to play a part in the game.

South Africa’s also gave a chance to Azhar Ali, who was on 28 when Temba Bavuma could not hold on to a chance at leg-slip. Azhar went on to

fective. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abid Ali ran-out Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada respectively, to take Pakistan’s total run-outs in the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Sunday, February 07, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)-534 ODI wickets (2) Chaminda Vaas-8/19 (SL vs ZIM, Colombo, 2001)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who has taken most T20 Int’l wickets to date? (2) What are the best figures in a T20 Int’l game to date?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Keshav Maharaj was castled for 1 (FP/Getty Images)

The very next ball saw Rizwan put down on 4 as he inside-edged Maharaj to Rassie van der Dussen at silly point. The ball was dying on van der Dussen, who moved forward quickly, but could not quite reach it.

make 33 so the damage was not as severe as the other two missed opportunities. The fielding lapses will sting for South Africa, both because of their reputation in the field and because Pakistan were much more ef-

series to four. Mulder was part of the most accomplished partnership South Africa posted, 50 runs for the sixth-wicket with Temba Bavuma, who was left stranded on 44 not out. Bavuma built his innings

slowly after he successfully reviewed being given out lbw to Hasan Ali in the fourth over of the morning. By then, Quinton de Kock had been bowled by Afridi, driving away from his body after adding just five runs to his overnight score. Bavuma scored just five runs off two scoring shots off the first 42 balls he faced on the third morning, and allowed Mulder to play the more proactive role. Mulder was confident against both pace and spin but his boldness in taking on Afridi’s arm was his undoing. He flicked Hasan to fine leg and pushed for a second run but Afridi fired in a strong throw right over the bails for Mohammed Rizwan to collect and catch Mulder short of his ground. Linde should have been out off the fourth ball he faced when he gloved a Hasan short ball, but Babar Azam opted not to review. Hasan got his revenge, though, and bowled Linde after a breezy run-a-ball 21. He then muscled through Maharaj’s defence with an inswinger to take out middle-stump and knocked the top of Anrich Nortje’s offstump as the No.11 shouldered arms.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

Bangladesh heavy favourites to snatch first Test (CMC) – The burden of a Herculean run chase was thrusted onto the inexperienced shoulders of debutants Kyle Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner, after West Indies lost three wickets in the final session on yesterday’s penultimate day, to leave Bangladesh as heavy favourites to win the opening Test. Set an improbable 395 for victory, West Indies slumped to 59 for three before being revived by Mayers and Bonner who put on 51 in a resilient unbroken fourth-wicket stand, to carry their side to the close on 110 without further loss. Mayers, who made 40 in the first innings, was unbeaten on a breezy 37 that has so far included seven fours and needed only 50 deliveries while Bonner anchored the partnership in a patient 63-ball 15 not out. Dangerous off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whose first innings hundred gave the hosts’ an all-important foothold in the contest at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury

Stadium, rolled over the top order in a spell of three for 52 as openers John Campbell (23) and Kraigg Brathwaite (20) got starts but failed to carry on. Captain Mominul Haque had earlier struck his 10th Test hundred and his seventh at the venue as Bangladesh, resuming on 47 for three, declared their second innings on 223 for eight, just following the first hour’s play after lunch. On 31 at the start, the left-hander carved out 115 in a knock spanning 182 balls, just short of 4-¾ hours and which included 10 fours. It was his 133-run, fifth-wicket partnership with Liton Das which enhanced Bangladesh’s grip on the game, as West Indies struggled to build on their momentum of the previous evening. Liton made 69 off 112 balls in a shade under 2-¼ hours, striking five fours. The pair came together nearly 45 minutes into the morning when Mushfiqur

GMR&SC Endurance track day on today THE stage is set for today’s Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Track Day at the South Dakota Circuit. The spectator-free day which is for participants only is expected to commence at noon with competitors expected to be at the track beforehand to ensure their cars are scrutineered. Speaking on the eve of the event, GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed contended that all systems are in place for the event. “We have completed track prep and all that was needed to be done. Early tomorrow (today) we will blow out the track fully to ensure that there is no sand and look forward for a great day of racing,” he added. He added, “Racing-wise, we are under our limit of 30 as of today (yesterday) but we want to ensure that those competitors are safe.” He noted that mandatory temperature checks and sanitisation stations will be available for all persons entering the venue with a one-pit distance between competitors. “We also want to remind the mechanics and other persons associated with teams that if they are found not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, then we will be forced to eject them from the venue,” the GMR&SC Boss stated. “You could be racing good, good, and the next thing you see is a black flag and your number on a board indicating that you have been disqualified, all because one of your team members was not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines. It’s not something that we want to do, but if push comes to shove, we will do it to protect our other competitors.” According to the president, the degree of action taken to persons who flout the COVID-19 guidelines could extend to banning from future events. Mohamed, himself a competitor, reminded that the event is an in-house one where no spectators are allowed. Today’s event is sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc, First Class Auto and Sheriff Security.

Rahim, resuming on 10, missed a cut at one that spun back and was lbw to off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall (3-81) for 18. Together, Mominul and Liton blunted the West Indies attack to take the hosts to 149 for four at lunch, as the bowlers toiled without success and were forced to resort to Bonner’s unpractised legspin and the part-time offspin of Brathwaite. On 83 at the interval, Mominul raised three figures approaching the first hour with a single to cover off Cornwall but lost Liton soon afterwards, the right-hander picking out point with a reverse sweep off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican (3-57). Mominul perished in the next over, holing out to Kemar Roach on the ropes at mid-wicket off speedster Shannon Gabriel, with Bangladesh pushing for quick runs. Warrican then bowled both Taijul Islam (3) and Mehidy (7) in one over to trigger the declaration as

the hosts lost four wickets for 17 runs in quick time. Left with just over halfhour to navigate before tea, Brathwaite and Campbell took West Indies to the break on 18 without loss, and extended the partnership to 39 before being separated. Campbell had struck four boundaries in a positive 50-ball knock when he missed a sweep and was adjudged lbw and Brathwaite followed in Mehidy’s next over after facing 53 deliveries, brilliantly caught by a diving substitute Yasir Ali at short leg When debutant lefthander Shayne Moseley played back to the 12th delivery he faced and was hit plumb in front for 12 by one that kept low, West Indies seemed in danger of imploding. But Mayers arrived to stem the tide, cutting and driving with authority to dominate the partnership with Bonner and keep alive West Indies’ slim hopes of avoiding defeat today, the final day.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st innings 430 WEST INDIES 1st innings 259 BANGLADESH 2nd innings (overnight 47 for three) Shadman Islam c wkp. Da Silva b Gabriel 5 Tamim Iqbal lbw b Cornwall 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Blackwood b Cornwall 0 Mominul Haque c Roach b Gabriel 115 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Cornwall 18 Liton Das c Mayers b Warrican 69 Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Warrican 7 Taijul Islam b Warrican 3 Nayeem Hasan not out 1 EXTRAS: (w-1, nb-4) 5 TOTAL: (8 wkts decl, 67.5 overs) 223 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-33, 4-73, 5-206, 6-214, 7-222, 8-223. Bowling: Roach 7-1-17-0 (nb-1), Cornwall 27-2-81-3, Gabriel 12-0-37-2, Warrican 17.5-0-57-3 (nb-2), Bonner 2-0-13-0 (nb1), Brathwaite 1-0-7-0, Mayers 1-0-1-0. WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 395) K. Brathwaite c sub. (Yasir Ali) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 20 J. Campbell lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 23 S. Moseley lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 N. Bonner not out 15 K. Mayers not out 37 EXTRAS: (b-1, lb-2) 3 TOTAL: (3 wkts, 40 overs) 110 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-48, 3-59. Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 4-1-14-0, Taijul Islam 13-8-120, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 16-2-52-3, Nayeem Hasan 7-1-29-0. POSITION: West Indies require a further 285 runs for victory with seven wickets intact.

Brathwaite’s sixers win BBL

(CMC) – Former West Indies Twenty20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite had little impact but his Sydney Sixers were rewarded for their consistency throughout the season as they beat Perth Scorchers by 27 runs to win the Big Bash League title here yesterday. Playing in the final at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sixers piled up 188 for six off their 20 overs, with England batsman James Vince the standout batsman with 95 off 60 deliveries. He punched 10 fours and three sixes, adding 38 for the second wicket with Daniel Hughes (13), another 48 for the third wicket with captain Moises Henriques (18) and 37 for the fifth wicket with Daniel Christian (20). Brathwaite entered

at the end of the 19th over and faced the entire last over, blasting two fours in scoring 10 before holing out in the deep off the last ball from fast bowler Jhye Richardson (2-45). In reply, Scorchers looked a good bet

at 116 for three in the 15th over but fell away at the back end after losing a plethora of wickets to finish on 161 for nine. Liam Livingstone top-scored with 45, off 35 balls with three fours and a couple

All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite celebrates with the Big Bash trophy

of sixes, in a 45-run, first-wicket stand off 29 deliveries, with Cameron Bancroft who struck 30 from 19 balls. When the innings slipped to 56 for two, Livingstone put on a further 39 for the third wicket with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis (22), before becoming one of three wickets to tumble for 22 runs. Aaron Hardie smashed a 13-ball 26 down the order but was the last of seamer Ben Dwarshuis’s three wickets in the 19th over and with 30 runs needed off the last over, medium pacer Christian picked up his two wickets to guarantee the Sixers back-to-back titles. Brathwaite played the full season for Sixers, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 24 and an economy rate of eight.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

ECCB condemns attempt GBA balances gender on Referee/Judges Commission to stop DCB elections THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Referee/ Judges Commission is now made up of 60 percent females, a position that puts the commission in line with a mandate of the governing body AIBA. The five-person Commission, appointed last month, is

Lawrence Assanah

made up of three females and is chaired by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Warrant Officer and AIBA One Star referee Lawrence Assanah. The three women are Sherece Agard, Denoila Bristol and Nicola Yhap, all of whom are committee members. Richard

Denoila Bristol

Braithwaite, also an AIBA One Star referee was appointed vice-chairman of the commission. Selecting women to be part of the decision-making processes is in keeping with the aim of AIBA and other sporting bodies in the world to institute balance between

Sherece Agard

the genders. Steve Ninvalle, president of GBA, explained that the association has taken it a bit further since 60% of the commission is made up of females. “We have taken it a bit further in that we have placed the majority in the hands of the females. We will try to see how much we can continue in this vein to ensure that women have their fair share and play their part in the development of boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle said. The commission was previously chaired by a female, Ramona Agard, another AIBA One Star referee. Assanah and other members of the commission will hold office for two years.

‘I am prepared for whatever opportunity’ - newcomer Persaud By Rajiv Bisnauth

FROM all indications, the Guyana Jaguars’ core concern, heading into this year CG Insurance Super50 Cup, seems to be their top-order batting. It was evident during the three practice games recently where a number of their frontline batsmen were negative in their approach, hence their poor showing. Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Tevin Imlach and Christopher Barnwell failed to contribute significantly with the bat during those practice games. Of the three games, Chandrapaul Hemraj struck the only hundred, while Akshaya Persaud hit 51 - the only batsmen with any real, stern performances. The collective failure of most of the top-order batsmen during the three practice games recently needs introspection for it will impact not only the composition of the Jaguars squad, but the balance of the playing XI. This means one of three newcomers in the Guyana Jaguars 15-man squad - Persaud - could find himself in the middle-order, an opportunity he says he is prepared for. “Whatever opportunity I get I just want to put my best foot forward and hopefully we can go ahead this year and win the tournament,” he said. The left-handed Persaud, who progressed through the Youth levels, and was a standby player on the West Indies Under-19 team for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) 2016 Youth World Cup,

has already played List A cricket. In 2019, he was part of the Combined Campuses and Colleges squad. He scored 137 runs in five innings at an average of 34.25 with two fifties and also took four wickets with this left-arm spin. Both half-centuries - an unbeaten 51 and 55 - came against a Barbados Pride bowling attack featuring West Indies players Ashley Nurse, Miguel Cummins and Chemar Holder.

quarantine restrictions currently in place, Cricket West Indies (CWI) was forced to reduce the number of teams for this year’s tournament. The 47th edition of the tournament will revert to only the six regional franchises, which would mean that defending champions, West Indies Emerging Players, along with Canada, USA and Combined Campuses and Colleges would miss out. This means the six leading franchises - Jamaica Scorpions, Trinidad and Tobago

the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. Last year, CWI was unable to host the tournament after being forced to abort the last two rounds of the first-class championship then to scrap all of its scheduled international home series due to COVID-19. The squad reads: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson (captain), Shimron Hetmyer (Vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario

Flashback! Akshaya Persaud receiving his CCC cap in 2019

However, with a number of top regional players available this year, the 23-year-old feels that it’s an extra motivation for him. “Definitely it provides an opportunity to play amongst the best, so I am just looking forward to the challenge,” he related. The tournament bowls off today in Antigua. With strict

Red Force, Guyana Jaguars, Barbados Pride, Leeward Island Hurricanes and the Windward Islands Volcanoes - are the only teams participating this year for the Clive Lloyd Trophy. The six franchises will play 19 matches in a round-robin format at Coolidge and the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, with

Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach. Esaun Crandon is the head coach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul the Manager/Assistant coach and Ernesto Campo Gonzalez the physiotherapist.

THE Executive Committee of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) notes with utter disgust and amazement the attempt by certain persons to stop and/or cause confusion in the long-awaited lawful elections of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB), whose lawful election is imminent. A release sent to Chronicle Sport yesterday clearly stated that the ECCB held a lawful and unchallenged election in August, 2020.

BELOW IS A FULL TEXT O THE RELEASE: The Executive Committee of the East Coast Cricket Board, who held lawful and unchallenged elections in August, 2020, notes with utter disgust and amazement the attempt by certain persons to stop and/or cause confusion in the long-awaited lawful elections of the Demerara Cricket Board, which said lawful election is imminent. The East Coast Cricket Board discovered that in the classified advertisement section of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper of 5th February, 2021, certain clubs, unlawfully and suddenly referring to themselves as the East Coast Cricket Board, issued a notice for an election of the East Coast Cricket Board. The East Coast Cricket Board held lawful elections in August, 2020 and that election has not been challenged by anyone. The East Coast Cricket Board, which held the elections in August, 2020 is the very same East Coast Cricket Board which was recognised by the High Court in Action No. 622 FDA of 2018 (Demerara) as the lawful and legitimate East Coast Cricket Board. In that High Court Action, Anand Sanasie had challenged the legality of the East Coast Cricket Board and his challenge failed, miserably. Sanasie, ‘the so-called’ Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board who is not the secretary had always refused to recognise the legitimate ECCB but has

instead chosen to recognise his supporter group, East Coast Cricket Committee. As recently as October, 2020, the East Coast Cricket Committee issued two press releases in the print media, Guyana Times on 21st October, 2020 and Guyana Chronicle on 22nd October, 2020 where the East Coast Cricket Committee proclaimed their alleged success of cricket on the East Coast and made disparaging remarks about the legitimate and lawful East Coast Cricket Board. Now that a lawful election of the Demerara Cricket Board is imminent, the persons or groups who held themselves out proudly to be East Coast Cricket Committee have now metamorphosed into East Coast Cricket Board. The reason for the metamorphosis is simple. Only the East Coast Cricket Board is recognised under the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and can lawfully vote at the Demerara Cricket Board election. The East Coast Cricket Board wishes to remind the public that at the lawful election of the Berbice Cricket Board, a “new and embryonic” Upper Corentyne Cricket Association emerged less than two weeks prior to the Berbice Cricket Board election in an effort to cause confusion, but the Learned Judge in the Berbice Cricket Board matter saw through the sinister plan and the attempt to interfere with the lawful election of the Berbice Cricket Board was thwarted. Truth, Justice and Law will always prevail and this attempt by the East Coast Cricket Committee to interfere in the lawful election of the Demerara Cricket Board will suffer stillbirth. The East Coast Cricket Board is a lawful entity and anyone attempting to impersonate officers of the Board or usurp their functions will suffer the consequences. Impersonation is a criminal offence.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 7, 2021

‘Candy Man’ Hardy can still fight! …US-based boxer looking to make ring return

By Rawle Toney ON October 29, 2010, Simeon Hardy burst onto the local boxing scene and announced his presence with a knockout victory over Patrick Barton at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Hardy would go on to win his next eight fights by putting his opponents on the canvas. So sweet were his punches, the alias ‘Candy Man’ was eventually bestowed on him. However, after 16 bouts, 69 rounds and with a 68 percent knockout rate, Simeon Hardy, despite not stepping into the ring since his TKO win over Brandon Baue

(September 8, 2018), is hoping to lace-up his gloves once again. “The pandemic had slowed up so much about boxing and sports, but I’ve been contemplating it. I started a career 10 years ago and that’s a chapter I want to close,” Hardy told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview while in Guyana for a short visit. The 33-year-old said he intends to do four more fights and then call it a day in the fistic sport. Pugilism is a passion for Hardy, who pointed out that he’s always in the ring keeping in shape. “I’m not signed. I was signed with a pro-

Simeon ‘Candy Man’ Hardy

CGI Academy Contracts 2020/21 ...

Fudadin, Ramnauth, Torrington among Jaguars Academy contract awardees CRICKET Guyana Inc. (CGI) honoured its commitment to contract promising players during the latter part of the 2020/2021 cricket season, with a number of senior and junior players being awarded recent contracts.

Rampertab Ramnauth

This commitment has been honoured despite speculations from some sections of the cricket sphere in Guyana that the academy players may have been kept in the doldrums for the complete 2020/2021 season. However, such speculations have since been dispelled with the CGI administration continuing to uphold its 3-tier contract struc-

ture, which awards the respective players ranked A, B and C. This season Academy Rank A contracts have been awarded to four players, Rank B to another four players, with six players receiving Rank C contracts.

Qumar Torrington

This brings the number of players contracted to 14, which indicates an additional two contracted players from previous seasons. Among the noticeable Rank C contract players are the talented Youth players, Mavendra Dindyal, Matthew Nandu, Isai Throne and Rampertab Ramnauth, all of whom are currently under the

watchful eyes and nurturing system of CWI, as specific player development initiatives take root with the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup which is planned to be held in the West Indies in 2022. The other Rank C

Steven Sankar

contracts have been awarded to two talented players that many have their eyes on for future success - fast bowler Qamar Torrington and opening batsman Kevlon Anderson. The four Rank B contract players include two players with first-class exposure in Bhaskar Yadram and Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed. Richie Looknauth is

rewarded for his continued commitment, as he remains as an academy-contracted player, while all-rounder Quinten Sampson gets his first opportunity to be involved with the academy structure, and is expected to stimulate an increased level of competition among players. Heading the Rank A contract list is the experienced Assad Fudadin. He is joined by the promising wicketkeeper/ batsman, Kemol Savory, outstanding left-arm spinner at the domestic level, Anthony Adams, and the talented rightarm leg-spinner Steven Sankar. Both the current academy-contracted players, as well as the available CWI/CGI contracted players are required to report to Academy coach Julian Moore at the LBI ground for 09:00hrs on Monday February 8, 2021, unless otherwise engaged in CGI national duties.

moter and I was asked to be released because they weren’t doing certain things for me. It’s all about business, so, if I’m not benefitting from it, then it doesn’t make sense being in it,” Hardy said. Asked about life outside of the ring, ‘Candy Man’ said it’s sweet …”I cannot complain. I ventured into business; I’m in the fitness field. I started the LLC. My company is making a little buzz around the US, so life is good.” In his 16 professional bouts, Hardy, a former WBC CABOFE Champion, came out victorious 14 times, winning 11 by TKO. He, however, was

defeated twice. Hardy’s first blemish on his record came against Armenian Vito Gasparyan, where he suffered a Unanimous Decision loss, in spite of a good showing in the ring. Before migrating in 2012, the Sophia native had kayoed Iwan Azore to win the vacant CABOFE welterweight title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Hardy’s last fight in Guyana was against Howard Eastman in 2012, when he picked up a Majority Decision win after out-boxing the former Commonwealth middleweight champion.

Khan on top after victory over Nathoo in Chess Championship … Drayton gets forfeit win against Meusa TAFFIN Khan is now favourite for the 2020 National Closed Chess Championship title after having registered four consecutive wins in the seven-round event, which is currently being played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The Candidate Master, who has three senior titles to his name, is strategically placed in the tournament, which was re-scheduled from last year. His victims include FIDE Master and defending champion Anthony Drayton, in the eight-team battle. If he draws or beats Wendell Meusa in their Fifth Round clash this morning, he would fancy himself going all the way. Meusa, who is a former champion and a Candidate Master, was one of the favourites, along with Drayton and Khan, for the title this year, but he lost his Fourth Round clash via the forfeit route when he failed to show up for his match against Drayton yesterday. Director of Tournaments, Rashad Hussain told Chronicle Sport that it was a tough way to lose the game, but that rules are in place. “According to the rules if you don’t show up in the default time (30 minutes), your opponent takes the win.” After today’s clash, Khan still has to play fellow unbeaten player Glenford Corlette and 2020 Rapid

and Blitz champion Davion Mars, but he is better than both in this version of the game. Corlette, who got past Errol Tiwari yesterday, has three wins from the three bottom-tier opponents. He got past Rai Sharma in the Second Round and Mars in the Third Round. His First Round clash against Meusa is yet to be played, while he also has games against Khan, Drayton and Nathoo. Mars has struggled in the tournament so far and it was compounded with a draw against Mr Sharma in Round Four. Drayton can sweep his last three opponents for a total of six points, but unless Khan messes up, finishing ahead of him would be a difficult task. According to Hussain, if the players are tied after the seven rounds, they will take part in a playoff battle. TOUGH BATTLE Khan said that his Fourth Round game against Nathoo yesterday afternoon was very complicated. He was, however, able to beat Nathoo on time. Starting with the Sicilian Closed Variation, he used a lot of sacrificial plays to force Nathoo to rethink the game, which resulted in more time being used. In the end, the former champion had some 30 minutes more, which resulted in Nathoo’s rushed plays and his inevitable demise.

Bangladesh heavy favourites to snatch first Test SEE PAGE 33

Mominul Haque now has seven Test centuries in Chattogram, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 1st Test, Chattogram, Day 4, yesterday

‘Candy Man’ Hardy can still fight! …US-based boxer looking to make ring return SEE PAGE 35

FLASHBACK! Simeon Hardy connects to Vito Gasparyan during their super welterweight clash

GMR&SC Endurance track

SEE PAGE 33

day on today

GMR&SC’s Endurance track day starts at 12:00hrs

‘I am prepared for whatever opportunity’ - newcomer Persaud

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| SUNDAY CHRONICLE, FEBRUARY 7, 2021